Lilies are admired for their striking blooms and often delightful fragrance. Among their diverse forms, “striped lilies” stand out with unique petal patterns. These captivating flowers add distinctive aesthetic appeal, making them a popular choice for gardeners seeking visual interest. Their ease of growth and adaptability contribute to their widespread popularity.
Understanding Striped Lilies
The term “striped lily” describes Lilium species and hybrids that display distinct linear patterns on their petals. These patterns can range from fine lines to broader bands, varying in color, thickness, and placement. Striped varieties are found among popular lily types like Asiatic, Oriental, and Trumpet lilies.
Asiatic lilies may feature bold stripes, while Oriental hybrids might exhibit delicate veining. Trumpet lilies, known for their large, fragrant blooms, can also present subtle or pronounced stripes. This variety offers a broad spectrum of aesthetic possibilities for garden design.
Planting Striped Lilies
Successful establishment begins with proper site selection and soil preparation. Lilies flourish in locations receiving ample sunlight, ideally 6 to 8 hours daily, ensuring robust growth and abundant blooms. Well-drained soil is paramount, as soggy conditions lead to bulb rot.
Prepare the planting area by spading or rototilling the soil 12 to 15 inches deep, incorporating organic matter like compost to improve drainage and fertility. Most lilies prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0-7.0), though some varieties, like Oriental lilies, prefer 5.5-6.5. Lily bulbs can be planted in spring or fall, ideally six weeks before ground freeze in autumn, or in spring after frost danger has passed.
When planting, dig a 6 to 9-inch deep hole for most lily bulbs, placing the bulb roots downward. A general guideline is to plant the bulb two to three times as deep as its height. Space bulbs 8 to 12 inches apart for proper growth and air circulation. After placing the bulb, cover with soil, gently press to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly.
Ongoing Care for Striped Lilies
Once established, lilies thrive with consistent watering, nutrition, and maintenance. Proper watering is essential; lilies prefer consistent moisture but are susceptible to bulb rot in waterlogged conditions. During active growth, water deeply once or twice a week, allowing the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Watering at the base of the plant helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges, and again after flowering. A balanced granular fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 NPK ratio) is suitable. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can promote excessive foliage at the expense of blooms.
Mulching with a 2 to 3-inch layer of organic material (e.g., shredded leaves or bark) helps conserve soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Tall lily varieties may benefit from staking to prevent stems from bending or breaking. Deadheading (removing spent flowers) prevents the plant from expending energy on seed production, promoting stronger blooms. When deadheading, only remove the faded flowers, leaving the stem and leaves intact to continue photosynthesis.
Propagating Striped Lilies
Expanding lily collections can be achieved through bulb division and scaling. Bulb division is best performed in early fall after foliage dies back, or in early spring. Overcrowded lily clumps, which may produce fewer or smaller flowers, benefit from division every three to four years.
To divide, carefully dig up the entire clump. Gently separate individual bulbs and any smaller bulblets. Replant larger bulbs immediately at their recommended depth and spacing. Smaller bulblets can be planted separately to grow to flowering size.
Scaling is another effective method for multiplying specific varieties, done in late summer or early fall. This process involves carefully breaking off individual scales from the mature lily bulb, ensuring each scale has a piece of the basal plate. Place scales in a moist medium (e.g., vermiculite or peat moss) in a sealed plastic bag, keeping them in a warm, dark place for several weeks. Tiny bulblets will form at the base of the scales, which can then be grown in pots or planted out. This method produces genetic duplicates of the parent plant.
Common Problems and Solutions
Gardeners may encounter pests, diseases, and environmental stressors. The lily leaf beetle (Lilioceris lilii), a bright red beetle, can rapidly defoliate plants. Adults and larvae feed on leaves, stems, and flower buds. Manual removal is effective for smaller infestations; handpick adults or knock them into soapy water. For larger infestations, organic insecticides like neem oil or spinosad can be applied.
Aphids are another frequent pest, found on new growth and flower buds, causing distorted leaves and stunted growth. A strong stream of water can dislodge aphids. Insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils provide effective control.
Lilies can be susceptible to botrytis blight, appearing as brown spots on leaves and flowers. Ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering helps prevent this fungal disease. Basal rot, a fungal disease affecting the bulb, is often caused by overly wet soil. Planting in well-drained soil and avoiding overwatering are primary preventative measures. Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering or insufficient light, requiring care adjustments.