Lilies, Species Lilies, Martagon Lilies, Asiatic Lilies, Trumpet Lilies, Oriental Lilies, Orienpet Lilies
Lilies rank high on the list of gardener’s favorites. Extremely showy and exotic-looking, lilies add drama to the landscape with their rich, bright colors, elegant and delicate shapes, and their heavenly scent! They enjoy different blooming seasons, from early summer to late summer and even into the fall, depending on the lily division they belong to. If you are a lily fan and want to enjoy their beauty and fragrance from early summer through fall, you must select lilies from different divisions. There are hundreds of Lily Species and thousands of hybrids. With this choice, how does one pick?
| Hardiness |
3 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 7 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 |
| Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
| Genus | Lilium |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
| Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
Planting lilies can be a rewarding experience, and here are some steps to guide you through the process:
Time of Planting: Lilies are best planted in the fall or early spring. If you’re planting bulbils (small, black bulb-like structures found in the leaf axils of some lilies), you can plant them in late summer when they are ripe.
Choose a Site: Lilies prefer a location with full sun or partial shade. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. Lilies prefer a slightly acidic pH but can tolerate a wide range.
Prepare the Soil: Before planting, prepare the soil by removing weeds and other debris. You can amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and drainage.
Plant the Bulbs: The general rule of thumb for planting depth is three times the height of the bulb. This can be around 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) deep for most lilies. Make sure the pointy end of the bulb is facing upwards. Space the bulbs about 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart, depending on the mature size of the lily variety.
Watering: After planting, water the bulbs well to settle the soil around them. Continue to water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Mulching: To conserve moisture and suppress weeds, apply a layer of organic mulch around the lilies.
Fertilizing: Apply a 5-10-5 fertilizer in late spring to provide nutrients for the growing season.
Remember, some lilies, especially the Oriental types, may take a year or so to establish before they start to flower. Patience is key when growing lilies from bulbs. Be sure to keep an eye out for pests such as lily beetles, which can cause significant damage to the plants.
| Hardiness |
3 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 7 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 |
| Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
| Genus | Lilium |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
| Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
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Join now and start creating your dream garden!
Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
