[phpzon]Bamboo Perennial Zone, 30, HomeGarden[/phpzon]

Things to know about Lilies

• they do not like to stand in water so if your area is wet, mix in some organic matter
• they prefer a well drained soil and full sun
• each hybrid bulb produces eight to a dozen flowers up to eight inches across on a six-foot stem
• unlike other bulbs, they do not go dormant after blooming, so cut them back in the fall once the stem has dried
• I do cut off the top part of the stem once they are bloomed, so as not to allow seed production. But I do leave the rest (1/3) of the stem intact until the fall, as it is the stem that nourishes the bulb for next years blooms
• divide your plants at least every 4 years in the fall or they will slowly stop producing blooms
• in the spring the stems are very tender so be careful as they poke through the ground. I speak from experience
• they don't like their leaves wet, but that's hard to avoid when watering
• they look best when planted in mass
• if the buds are subject to frost, they will turn brown and not re-bud. You have to wait until the following year to see a bloom
• because varieties bloom at different time, why not stagger the plantings and always have them blooming
• these plants are much like the Clematis Vine. They like cool feet and a warm top. Planting a groundcover works well (or using mulch)
• unfortunately some of the taller varieties will require staking. I like to use the green bamboo sticks and soft floral tape
• try using a growth supplement, like MYKE. It works wonders

Did you know that the pollen stains clothing? If using as cut flowers or in bouquets, pull off the orange stamens with your fingers with a tissue (or gloves) or use a pair of scissors that if you hang your clothing in full sun, the stain from the pollen will slowly go away that they love to eat. Fertilize with a 20-20-20 at least once a month. I add bonemeal every spring to all of my perennials that lilies are one of the most long lasting cut flowers? Most bloom in a variety of impressive colors, except blue that members of the Turk's-Cap lilies are first to bloom in the spring

Popular Lily Forms

Asiatic

The most common is the Asiatic, which typically grows 1 1/2 feet to 5 feet tall. They have large trumpet like blooms usually around 4" to 6" wide and most face upwards. Unfortunately, these pretty lilies have no fragrance. They do best in full sun.

Martagon

The Martagon or Turk's Cap has its own following. The name comes from a Turkish word for a type of turban. Their blooms about 1-2 inches across are smaller and face downwards with the petals curled back towards the stem. They grow 2 feet to 4 feet. These lilies bloom sooner than others and can have many, many blooms on one stem. Colors are normally shades of pink, orange, white and maroon. They prefer a part sun exposure.

Trumpet

The Trumpet Lily has long, slightly flared blooms. They have a strong fragrance and the blooms face outward. Colors are yellow, white, salmon, orange and shades of pink.

Oriental

The Oriental Lily has open-faced blooms with wide petals and blooms in mid to late summer. These lilies are very fragrant with a spicy scent. Flowers may face up, down or outward. The colors range from white to deep pink.

Planting Lilies

Remember that the above are true lilies and do not have roots in the sense like the Daylilies. They are bulbs. The bulbs can be planted in the fall or spring, and if you purchase container grown ones (like I do), they can be planted any time.

Depth for bulbs: 3 times the length of the bulb and the pointed end must be up or the bulb will not grow properly.

For containers grown, dig a hole as large as the container. Gently take out the plant and work the soil around the bottom with your fingers. Set the plant in the hole and work the soil back around the plant. Tap down gently to make sure the soil and plant is firmly in place.

REMEMBER: to add a small handful of bonemeal to the hole for bulbs or container grown. Water well until established. They do not like to dry out.

Enjoy and watch them grow!

Doris McComb, a Certified Floral Designer for the past 25 years, gardens in the Canadian Prairies. As an intrepid gardener she enjoys pushing the gardening zone limits. Though suffering with chronic pain, she continues to makeover her 400 feet of backyard gardens. Her amazing gardens and Caribbean Ponds can be viewed at http://www.my-gardening-and-landscaping-makeover.com/.

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