Lilium Care

It needs to be remembered that Liliums originally come from a range of climatic conditions and from different parts of the world. So care instructions will differ slightly.

Care instructions for specific lilium species need to obtained when purchasing lilium bulbs. If the supplier can't supply growing notes? . Look elsewhere.

General Storage and selection Guide for Lilium Bulbs:

Lilium bulbs do not like to dry out, they are never really dormant. If bulbs look dry avoid them. Store bulbs in coco peat fiber, peat moss or similar if you need to transport them or keep them before planting.

General Care for Liliums

Lilium bulbs require good drainage, they do not like wet soil in winter.
The flowers like sun, the bulbs and roots like to be kept cool.
Only fertilize when in active growth.
Divide clumps every 3 - 4 years.
Taller growing types can be planted to grow through low shrubs for support, or use stakes.
Leave foliage to die back naturally after flowering

Where to plant Lilium (lily)bulbs

Liliums require a well drained soil, if to wet bulbs will simply rot.

Liliums also require a warm sunny position with direct sunlight (6 hours).

So we are looking for a a well drained sandy loam with well rotted compost and manure added in a sunny position.

Find a place in the garden that dry out quickly after rain. We suggest planting lilies in groups of 4-5. Mass plantings of 10 or more can also look great. Plant lilies at about 12" apart.

Over Wintering Liliums

Although they do die back, liliums actually do not really go dormant, the roots do like to grow through winter. So the bulbs do not really like being out of the ground for long periods.

Liliums are regarded as hardy from zones 5 - 9, however they are easily grown in colder zones as well. You do need to avoid having the bulbs freeze. Some gardeners plant hem deeper, other grow them in pots, some dig them every year.

The choice in winter to prevent the bulbs being destroyed by a freeze is to dig the bulbs and store them in a cool position, usually stored in peat, or cocoa peat so they do not really dry out . You could also try a deep mulch to prevent the freeze.

Planting Lilium Bulbs

How deep do we plant Lilium bulbs
In general 6-8" (15-20cm) deep although in cooler areas (where the soil freezes and lots of frost) a little extra depth is a good idea. Plant bulbs roots down and growing tip pointing up. Cover with a fine soil and water in well. (watering in removes air pockets around the bulb and roots)
How to water Liliums
Remember that lilies do not like to sit in water, so test the soil. If it is moist, do not water, if its starting to dry out a little deep water. Avoid watering the foliage and flowers, avoid over watering.
How to Fertilize Liliums
Liiliums do not require a lot of fertilizer, top dress with well rotted manure or compost as they go dormant (wait for the stems to die right back). Try a little complete slow release fertilizer before flowering.

More information

Liliums can be grown in pots, both mature bulbs and small bulblets that separate when dividing can be grown on in pots. Small bulblets can also be planted a little less deeply than mature bulbs.

Cornus

Corymbia

Magnolia

More information:

Dividing Liliums
Asiatic Lilies
Lilium bolanderi
Lilium canadense (Canada Lily)
Lilium columbium (Tiger Lily)
Lilium formosanum
Lilium grayi
Lilium humboldtii
Lilium kelloggii
Lilium kelleyanum
Lilium Lankongense
Lilium longiflorum (Easter Lily)
Lilium maritimum
Lilium martagon
Lilium michiganens
Lilium nepalense
Lilium occidentale
Lilium pardalinum
Lilium parryi (lemon lily)
Lilium parvum
Lilium philadelphicum
Lilium philadelphicum
Lilium pumilum
Lilium rubescens (Redwood Lily)
Lilium superbum (Turk's Cap Lily)
Lilium washingtonianum