Lilies, belonging to the genus Lilium, are celebrated garden plants, known for their large, elegant flowers. Their striking beauty and wide range of colors make them a popular choice for gardeners. With over 2,000 varieties and hybrids, lilies offer a vast selection for nearly any garden aesthetic or climate. These hardy, perennial plants create a glorious display, whether planted in borders or in containers, making them a favorite among flower enthusiasts.
Understanding Lily Types
Lilies are classified into nine divisions based on their parentage and flower shape. Asiatic lilies are among the earliest to bloom, typically in early summer, and are known for their vibrant colors including white, pink, yellow, red, orange, and purple. Their flowers are usually unscented and face upwards or outwards, making them popular for cut flower arrangements.
Oriental lilies are recognized for their rich fragrance and large, open, bowl-shaped blooms. These varieties feature an extensive color palette, including shades of pink, red, orange, and white, often with attractive spots inside their petals. Martagon lilies, also known as Turk’s cap lilies, are distinctive with their downward-facing, recurved petals and typically bloom in May. They are more shade-adapted than many other lily types.
Trumpet lilies, including Aurelian hybrids, are characterized by their tall stature and large, often fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that appear in mid to late summer. Orienpet lilies, a hybrid of Oriental and Trumpet lilies, combine the large flowers of Oriental types with the height of Trumpet varieties, offering a broad range of colors and extended bloom times. LA hybrids, a cross between Easter lilies and Asiatic lilies, produce large, upward-facing, unscented flowers in a wide array of colors, blooming for several weeks.
Planting Lilies Successfully
Proper planting, in early spring or fall, is key to growing lilies successfully. Lily bulbs lack a protective outer layer, requiring careful handling and prompt planting. Lilies thrive best in full sun, though they can tolerate partial shade. Adequate air circulation and well-drained soil are essential.
Prepare the soil by loosening it to improve aeration and drainage, incorporating organic matter like compost or aged manure to enhance fertility and structure. Plant bulbs with twice as much soil above them as their width (e.g., a 2-inch bulb needs 4 inches of soil cover). This depth can be increased slightly in sandy soils or if pests are a concern.
Essential Lily Care
Consistent care ensures robust growth and abundant blooms. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot. Drooping leaves often signal a need for water, and plants typically perk up quickly after watering.
Apply a balanced fertilizer when new growth emerges and again before flowering, following product instructions. Tall varieties, like Trumpet and Orienpet types, benefit from early staking to support stems and prevent bending under bloom weight. Deadhead spent blooms to direct energy towards bulb development rather than seed production, promoting stronger growth for the following season. Regularly inspect for pests or diseases for timely intervention and overall plant health.
Troubleshooting Common Lily Issues
Lilies can encounter issues affecting their health and flowering. Yellowing leaves can indicate insufficient nutrients, overwatering, or lack of sunlight. Address this by adjusting fertilization or watering. Lack of blooms, despite healthy foliage, may stem from shallow planting, insufficient sunlight, or inadequate soil nutrients. Ensure proper planting depth, ample sunlight, and appropriate fertilization.
Stunted growth may indicate compacted soil, poor drainage, or root damage. Improve soil structure through aeration or organic matter amendments. The red lily beetle can damage leaves and flowers. Control infestations by manual removal of beetles and larvae, or by applying insecticidal soap. Diseases like Botrytis blight, characterized by brown spots, thrive in humid conditions. Manage this fungal issue by improving air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and removing affected plant parts.
Winterizing and Long-Term Lily Health
Winter preparation is important for lily longevity, especially in colder climates. In late fall, after foliage yellows and dies back, cut stems to just above ground level to signal dormancy. In harsh winters, apply organic mulch (straw or shredded leaves) over the planting site to insulate bulbs from extreme cold.
In very severe winters (USDA Zones 3 or colder), some lily varieties benefit from being lifted and stored indoors. Carefully dig up bulbs after the first hard frost, dry them slightly, and store in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place (e.g., in peat moss or sawdust) until spring. Divide established lily clumps every few years (fall or early spring) to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding. This rejuvenates the plant and encourages robust flowering.