As the cost of pot-grown plants continues to rise, lilies, with their captivating scents and vibrant hues—including whites, reds, pinks, maroon, oranges, and yellows—are emerging as a cost-effective choice for bringing summer allure to gardens. These elegant blooms are second only to tulips in terms of area cultivated in Holland, occupying around 5,000 hectares. Like tulips, lilies are primarily grown for the cut-flower market, but a vast array of hybrids has made them a popular choice among gardeners.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Lilies thrive best when their roots are sheltered by surrounding plants while their blooms bask in the sun. In exposed gardens, it’s advisable to use short cane supports to prevent them from flopping over. These perennials prefer fertile, well-drained soil and typically require little watering during the latter part of summer. A mulch of well-rotted organic matter, such as garden compost, is highly beneficial. In spring, applying a general-purpose, organic-based fertilizer around the base of the bulbs can enhance their growth.
For those growing lilies in pots, peat-free general-purpose potting compost works effectively, especially when combined with bi-weekly liquid feeding—seaweed fertilizer, for instance—throughout the summer months. Potted lilies can be strategically placed in prominent positions during their blooming phase before being relocated to less conspicuous spots to rest and die back during winter.
Planting Tips and Timing
While autumn and early spring are generally the best times for planting, some bulbs may only be available in spring. Spring planting can yield excellent results, and surprisingly, bulbs planted in mid-summer can thrive as well. It’s crucial to plant delicate bulbs promptly upon receipt. If you’re repotting, lifting, or dividing existing clumps, ensure they are replanted without delay.
Varieties of Lilies
Traditionally, Asiatic lilies—characterized by their bright, upward-facing, bowl-like unscented flowers—kick off the summer lily display in June. They are typically around 1 meter tall. Following them, trumpet lilies, which often exceed 1 meter in height, bloom in July and August, while the fragrant, lime-hating oriental lilies, also at least 1 meter tall, generally flower in late summer. Recent hybridization has blurred the lines between these categories, resulting in a diverse range of options for gardeners, even those with lime-rich or alkaline soils, who can successfully grow Oriental lilies in containers filled with peat-free ericaceous potting compost.
Among the most charming varieties are Turk’s-cap lilies, known for their reflexed petals. This group includes Lilium henryi, a tall plant (approximately 90cm) adorned with striking black-spotted orange flowers that nod gracefully and exhibit remarkable tolerance to chalky soils. Other notable Turk’s-caps include the delicate martagon lily, native to Europe. Despite their seemingly fragile appearance, these varieties are robust and can thrive in gardens that offer a little shade and shelter. Advances in lily breeding have introduced numerous hybrids, such as “Manitoba Morning,” which further enrich the garden landscape.
Modern Hybrids and Unique Features
Innovations in breeding have also led to the creation of impressive hybrids. The towering tree, goliath, or giant lilies (scientifically classified as oriental trumpet lilies) can reach heights of up to 2.5 meters, showcasing as many as 20 large blooms, each measuring up to 20cm in diameter. These spectacular plants make a striking addition to the back of borders or deep pots while remaining relatively easy to care for. Equally irresistible are the exquisite peony-like double lilies developed since the 1990s. These varieties are pollen-free, ensuring they won’t stain clothing, and they tend to bloom for a longer period than most other lilies.
Managing Pests
One of the primary challenges associated with growing lilies is the presence of lily beetles. The larvae, covered in frass, feed voraciously on the foliage, while the bright red adults can also inflict damage. Some bulb suppliers provide a calcium chloride-based antifeedant, which may serve as a viable alternative to chemical insecticides, though it will require reapplication after rain. For smaller gardens, manually removing the larvae and adult beetles can be an effective control method. Interestingly, Lilium regale, known for its tall stature and fragrant white trumpets, appears to be somewhat less affected by lily beetles, according to research from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
