June
2004
A
few basic tips:
For
best effect, plant Lilies in groups of 3 or more in full
sun or partial shade in soil that drains freely–– space
Asiatics 6-10 inches apart, Orientals 12-15. Planting depth
should be roughly three times the diameter of the bulb, usually
around six inches deep for top size Lily bulbs--and remember
, Lilies like their heads in the sun and feet in the shade,
so keep this in mind when choosing a location. Lilies are
heavy feeders, so fertilize at planting time and in subsequent
years, feed Lilies each spring. Since tall lily stalks can
look somewhat gangly, consider underplanting the Lilies with
foliage plants such as Ferns, Hostas, or Astilbes, or a plant
like Baby's Breath. Taller plants, or lilies grown in part
shade may need staking. If you cut some flowers to take inside
your house, be sure to leave the majority of the stalk in
place so the plant can continue to produce food and sustain
the bulb until the following year. Don’t cut the stalks
down in fall until the foliage has turned golden or brown,
and at this point, you can also transplant and divide if
clumps have out-grown their location.
Here's
a rundown of Lilies in my Garden:
Asiatic
Lilies
The
Asiatics are the hardiest of all the lily hybrids. They do
very well in Zones 3 to 10, are easiest for the beginner,
multiply the fastest, and are the first to flower each season.
They also come in a wide range of colors -- white, yellow,
orange, red, pink and all shades and color combinations,
except the color blue. Flowers are mostly upfacing with a
few dainty garden gems carrying outfacing or pendant blooms;
all will be exciting when the buds unfurl. These hybrids
multiply rapidly and bloom over a long season. Although generally
unscented, a light scent can be discerned on warm, still
days. Bulbs are mostly five to six inches in circumference,
with many of the shorter-growing lilies naturally forming
smaller-sixed, mature bulbs in the three- to five-inch range.
Bulbs are white with a varying amount of pink tint. Bulb
color does not determine flower color; most lily bulbs will
turn pinkish when exposed to sunlight during harvest. When
planting, cover Asiatics with 3 to 4 inches of fluffy soil,
according to the bulb size -- smaller bulbs more shallow.
Oriental
Lilies
The
fragrant Oriental Hybrids produce some of the most exotic
and showy flowers in the plant kingdom. Oriental lilies perfer
slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Plant in full sun or
light shade with good air circulation and good drainage and
watch them go! In areas where the summer temperatures rarely
exceed the mid-eighties, Orientals require little care. Where
temperatures are consistently above 90 degrees, plant in
dappled shade or where hot afternoon sun will be blocked.
. If you have heavy clay soil, raised beds are the answer.
Do not simply dig a hole and backfill with "good" soil,
as water must be allowed to drain freely from around and
under your bulbs. Also, the foliage of vigorous plants must
not crowd emerging sprouts or growing stems, as lilies need
open access to light and air for best growth.
Blood
Lily-Scadoxis katherinae
More
Fine Art Photography & Digital Art
A unique, rare bulb originating from Natal, India or South
Africa, depending who you believe. Ideal as a container plant,
kept in full to partial shade in hotter climates, treated the
same as an Amaryllis. Thrives in moist areas such as ponds.
Not cold hardy. Bears wonderful, large ball shaped red flowers
(on strong stems with clusters of thick, fleshy leaves) in
mid summer that last up to 30 days in a vase. Do not let the
soil get too dry as it will reduce flowering. Water about once
a week.
Flowers
Alive!™
Slow-release nutrients encourage prolific bloom without excess
foliage growth. Research shows: 81% more geranium and 66% more
zinnia flowers! Selected nutrients help annuals produce spectacular
color all season long. Great for rejuvenating perennials, too!
3 lb bag.
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