Growing Tips: Lilies
OVERVIEW
Lilies are perennials grown from bulbs that require little once planted. These versatile beauties shine in mixed borders or containers and make beautiful cut flowers.
- Asiatic lilies: early bloomers and the easiest to grow. 2 -3 feet tall with hybrids that can reach 6 feet.
- Oriental lilies: bloom mid- to late-summer. Beautifully fragrant and grow about 4 feet tall.
- Trumpet lilies: Similar to oriental lilies, but their flowers tend to be smaller and more closed, giving them the trumpet-like appearance.
- Other types: Orienpet (an oriental/trumpet hybrid), tiger, Turk's cap.
SITE SELECTION
Require full sun for the best blooms. In areas that are too shady, the stems will lean towards the sun or grow spindly and weak. Well-drained soil is also critical or bulbs will rot. Most lilies prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil
PLANTING
- Lilies can be planted in the fall or spring. In the fall, plant at least 4 weeks before the first frost date to ensure bulbs have time to establish before heavy frosts. In spring, plant them as soon as the last frost has passed.
- Buy lilies close to planting time or they may die off before you have an opportunity to plant them.
- Loosen soil 12 - 15 inches deep. Plant bulbs down 3 times their height (i.e. plant 2 inch bulbs 6 inches deep). Space about 3 times their length (i.e. plant 3 inch wide bulbs 9 inches apart). Best planted in groups of 3 or 5 for visual interest.
- Water in thoroughly at the time of planting.
SPRING/SUMMER CARE
- When shoots emerge from the mulch in spring, gently and gradually uncover them.
- Water well when lilies are actively growing.
- Apply compost each spring, the apply a 2-inch layer of mulch to keep roots cool. Mulch should be moist but not wet, ensuring the plants stay cool but the bulbs do not rot.
FALL/WINTER CARE
- After blooming, do not remove leaves. Let the plant die back on its own, as lilies use their leaves to provide nourishment to the bulbs through winter and fall.
- Cut dead stalks in late fall or early spring when they have died down.
- Apply an additional 4 - 6 inches of mulch to give bulbs more time to grown and prepare for winter.
OTHER CARE TIPS
- Divide every 3 - 4 years before they begin their spring growth.
SOURCES