Lily Cali, a hybrid within the Lilium genus, offers a striking presence in gardens. It boasts large, fragrant, trumpet-shaped blooms, typically soft pink with gently recurved petals. These elegant flowers span 6 to 12 inches in diameter, creating a visually impactful display. Lily Cali plants commonly reach heights of 3 to 4 feet, adding vertical interest to beds or containers.
Their summer bloom period, from mid-July into August, provides color when other flowers fade. Lily Cali attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to garden biodiversity. Its delightful fragrance also enhances the garden’s sensory experience.
Understanding Lily Cali
Lily Cali is a Longiflorum x Oriental hybrid, a true lily belonging to the Lilium genus, distinct from plants like Calla Lilies (Zantedeschia). These lilies grow from scaly bulbs, producing leafy stems with flowers near the top.
As perennials, they return year after year from their underground bulbs, providing reliable blooms with proper care. Lily Cali typically offers its peak display in mid to late summer. Their ability to multiply over time contributes to their popularity among home gardeners.
Planting Lily Cali
Select an optimal location for your Lily Cali bulbs. These plants thrive in full sun, ideally receiving 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily, though they tolerate partial shade. Adequate drainage is important, as soggy soil can lead to bulb rot; consider raised beds if your soil has poor drainage.
Planting is best done in early spring after the last frost, or in the fall. Loosen the soil to a depth of about 8 inches and amend it with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility. Lily Cali prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil pH.
Place bulbs with the pointy end facing upwards, typically 4 to 6 inches deep, or three times the bulb’s height. Space individual bulbs 8 to 12 inches apart to allow for growth and multiplication. Planting bulbs in clusters of three to five creates a more impactful visual display.
Ongoing Care for Lily Cali
Maintain consistent moisture for Lily Cali, especially during its active growing season. Water thoroughly, aiming to moisten the soil to a depth of about 6 inches. While lilies dislike being dry, overwatering causes root rot; ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Container-grown lilies require more frequent watering.
Fertilize for strong growth and abundant blooms. Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 NPK) in early spring when new shoots emerge. Continue with smaller supplemental feedings every few weeks until flowering concludes. Avoid direct contact between fertilizer and bulbs, and always water thoroughly after application.
Mulching helps conserve moisture, keeps the soil cool, and suppresses weeds. Apply a 2 to 3-inch layer of organic mulch after planting and replenish it annually. Taller varieties may need staking for support as their large blooms develop; place stakes at planting time to avoid damaging bulbs. Remove spent flowers to prevent seed production, but leave foliage until it naturally dies back in autumn to allow the bulb to store energy for the next season.
Addressing Common Challenges
Lily Cali may encounter common pests and diseases. The scarlet lily beetle is a notable pest; these bright red beetles and their larvae can rapidly defoliate plants. Handpicking adults and larvae is an effective control, or insecticidal soap sprays can be used.
Aphids are another common sap-sucking pest, causing distorted leaves and potentially transmitting viruses. A strong jet of water can dislodge aphids, and insecticidal soaps are effective. Good air circulation helps prevent fungal diseases like Botrytis blight, which appears as brown leaf spots and gray mold. Avoid overhead watering, and water early in the day to allow foliage to dry.
Basal rot, caused by soil-borne fungi, leads to yellowing leaves and rot at the bulb’s base. Prevention involves using disease-free bulbs and maintaining well-drained soil. If a plant is affected, remove and dispose of the entire plant to prevent spread, and avoid replanting lilies in the same spot for several years.
Winterizing Lily Cali
Winterizing Lily Cali depends on your climate zone. In milder climates (USDA Zone 8 and above), bulbs can remain in the ground year-round. Apply a thick layer of mulch (3 to 6 inches of straw or evergreen branches) over the planting area after foliage dies back to protect bulbs from freezing temperatures.
In colder regions, lifting and storing bulbs indoors is recommended. Wait until foliage has died back naturally, then carefully dig up bulbs before a hard frost. Gently remove soil, check for damage or disease, and allow bulbs to dry in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area for a few days.
Store dried bulbs in a breathable material like peat moss or vermiculite in cardboard boxes or paper bags. Maintain a cool, dark, and dry environment with temperatures between 35 and 55°F (2-13°C). Periodically check bulbs throughout winter for signs of rot or excessive drying, misting lightly if shriveled.