Pixie lilies are a charming and compact variety of lily, perfect for gardeners with limited space. Their smaller stature makes them ideal for containers, rock gardens, or the front of a garden border, adding vibrant color. These miniature beauties offer the elegance of larger lilies in a manageable size.
Understanding Pixie Lilies
Pixie lilies are distinguished by their compact growth, typically reaching heights of 12 to 18 inches. They are well-suited for container planting. Their vibrant flowers, which can be crimson, yellow, orange, or pink, usually appear in late spring to early summer, providing weeks of color. These showy lilies are also excellent for cut flower arrangements.
Planting Pixie Lilies
Planting pixie lily bulbs can be done in either the fall or early spring. Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade and has good drainage; full sun promotes best performance. Well-draining soil is crucial to prevent bulb rot.
For planting, dig a hole approximately 4 to 6 inches deep and place the bulb with the pointed end facing upwards. Space bulbs about 4 to 6 inches apart to allow for proper growth. If planting in containers, ensure the pot has drainage holes and use a quality commercial potting mix. After planting, water the bulbs thoroughly to help settle the soil.
Caring for Pixie Lilies
Light Needs
Pixie lilies thrive in full sun, which promotes the most prolific blooming. While they can tolerate partial shade, their flowering may be less vigorous.
Soil Requirements
These lilies prefer moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay and drains slowly, or is very sandy, amending it with organic materials like peat moss or ground bark can improve its quality. Pixie lilies are not particularly fussy about soil pH and can grow in acidic, neutral, or alkaline conditions.
Watering
Consistent moisture is important for pixie lilies, especially during their active growing season. Water frequently and thoroughly, ensuring the water reaches the roots. Avoid waterlogging, as bulbs are susceptible to rot in overly wet conditions. Check the soil moisture by feeling the top 2 to 4 inches; if it feels dry, it is time to water.
Fertilizing
For optimal growth and flowering, pixie lilies benefit from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 formulation, in early spring as new growth emerges. During the growing season, a balanced fertilizer can be applied monthly, often at a reduced rate to prevent overfeeding.
Winter Care and Dormancy
As herbaceous perennials, pixie lilies typically die back to the ground each winter, regrowing from the base in the spring. In preparation for winter, cut back the stems in late fall. For colder climates (USDA Zones 3-8), a thick layer of mulch applied after the first frost can help protect the bulbs left in the ground. In very cold regions, bulbs can be lifted and stored in a cool, frost-free location until early spring.
Common Issues and Solutions
Pixie lilies can encounter some common pests and diseases. Aphids are tiny sap-sucking insects that can weaken plants and transmit diseases. They can be controlled by spraying with insecticidal soap, or by encouraging natural predators like ladybugs.
Lily beetles, characterized by their bright red bodies, are voracious eaters that can cause significant damage to foliage. Hand-picking these beetles and their larvae is an effective control method; neem oil or insecticidal soap can also be used as a spray.
Botrytis blight, also known as gray mold, is a fungal disease that can cause brown spots on leaves and flowers, especially in cool, damp conditions. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent this. Removing and destroying infected plant debris is important to prevent the spread of fungal spores. If the disease persists, fungicides labeled for botrytis blight can be used as a last resort.