Tall red lilies are dramatic and vibrant additions to any garden, commanding attention with their impressive height and striking color. They offer a visual spectacle from mid-summer into early autumn.
Identifying Tall Red Lily Varieties
Several lily divisions produce tall red varieties, each with distinct characteristics. Asiatic lilies are often among the earliest to bloom, reaching 2 to 4 feet tall. Their unscented flowers are vivid red or scarlet, measuring 4 to 6 inches across with upward-facing, star-shaped blooms. Examples include ‘Red County’ and ‘Black Out’.
Oriental lilies are known for their strong fragrance and larger blooms, growing 3 to 6 feet tall. They bloom later than Asiatics. Trumpet or Aurelian lilies are statuesque, often reaching 4 to 8 feet or more, with striking, often fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers. Martagon lilies, or Turk’s Cap lilies, have unique whorled leaves and smaller, downward-facing flowers, growing 4 to 7 feet tall.
Planting and Cultivating Tall Red Lilies
Lilies thrive in locations with full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Good air circulation is also important for plant health.
The soil should be well-draining, loose, and rich in organic matter. Amend heavy clay soils with compost to improve drainage, as lilies do not tolerate soggy conditions. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0) is preferred by most lily varieties.
Plant lily bulbs in fall or early spring. For fall planting, ensure bulbs are in the ground at least four weeks before the first hard frost for root establishment. Plant bulbs two to three times their height deep, typically 4 to 8 inches. Deeper planting helps stabilize taller varieties and reduces the need for staking. Space bulbs 8 to 12 inches apart for mature growth and good air circulation.
Consistent moisture is important, especially during dry spells. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to bulb rot. Fertilize lilies in spring as new growth emerges and again after flowering with a balanced fertilizer to support robust growth and future blooms.
Tall red lilies often benefit from staking to prevent stems from bending or breaking in wind or heavy rain. Insert stakes a few inches away from the plant stem to avoid damaging the bulb. As blooms fade, deadhead spent flowers by removing the entire bloom and about an inch of stem. This prevents the plant from expending energy on seed production, redirecting it to the bulb for stronger growth and more abundant blooms the following year. Do not remove foliage until it has turned yellow, as leaves are essential for the bulb to store energy for next season’s growth.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Tall red lilies can encounter a few common issues. The red lily beetle (Lilioceris lilii) is a notorious pest, identified by its bright scarlet red body and black head and legs. Both adult beetles and their slug-like larvae feed on lily leaves, stems, and flowers, potentially defoliating plants. Hand-picking adults and crushing egg masses on the undersides of leaves can be effective for small infestations. For larger issues, organic sprays like neem oil or spinosad can be applied, targeting young larvae.
Aphids are another common pest, appearing as small, soft-bodied insects that feed in colonies on leaves. They can be dislodged with a strong spray of water or treated with insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils.
Fungal diseases, such as Botrytis blight (gray mold), can affect lilies, especially in cool, moist conditions. Symptoms include water-soaked spots on leaves that enlarge and may develop a fuzzy gray mold. To prevent this, ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove all plant debris at the end of the season. Fungicidal sprays containing copper can be used preventatively or at the first sign of infection.
If lilies fail to bloom, several factors could be at play. Insufficient sunlight (less than six hours of direct sun per day) is a common reason. Overcrowding, immature bulbs, or nutrient deficiencies can also inhibit flowering. Ensuring adequate light, proper fertilization, and dividing overcrowded clumps every few years can encourage better bloom production. Yellowing leaves (chlorosis) often indicate watering issues, nutrient deficiencies, or insufficient light. Adjusting watering practices, providing balanced nutrients, and ensuring proper light exposure can help restore leaf color.
Designing with Tall Red Lilies
Tall red lilies offer a dramatic vertical element in garden design. They create striking focal points when planted in clusters of three or more bulbs, enhancing visual interest in garden beds. Their height makes them ideal for planting at the back of borders, where they can rise above shorter plants, adding depth and structure.
Consider companion planting with lower-growing perennials like hostas or ferns, which provide a lush green backdrop that accentuates the vibrant red blooms. Ornamental grasses or other perennials with similar growing requirements also make excellent companions. For limited garden space, tall red lilies can be grown successfully in large containers (at least 12 inches deep with adequate drainage). This allows for flexible placement on patios, decks, or balconies.