Lily Care: Growing True Lilies (Lilium)
True lilies (Lilium species and hybrids) are among the most elegant garden bulbs, prized for their large, often fragrant flowers on stately stems. Unlike daylilies (Hemerocallis), true lilies grow from scaly bulbs and bloom once per season. Planting different types extends blooms from early to late summer. They make stunning border additions and cut flowers. Crucially, all parts are highly toxic to cats.
Common Types of Garden Lilies
Lilies are classified into divisions, but common garden groups include:
Asiatic Hybrids (Div 1)
- Earliest bloom (early-mid summer); wide color range; often spotted; upward/outward flowers; not fragrant. Easiest to grow, very hardy (Zones 3-9), multiply quickly. Height 2-4 ft.
- Examples: 'Enchantment', 'Connecticut King', 'Matrix' series.
Oriental Hybrids (Div 7)
- Bloom later (mid-late summer); large, intensely fragrant, outward/pendant bowl-shaped flowers (white, pink, crimson). Prefer acidic, rich, well-drained soil; afternoon shade in heat. Height 3-6 ft. Hardy Zones 4/5-9.
- Examples: 'Stargazer', 'Casa Blanca', 'Muscadet'.
Trumpet / Aurelian Hybrids (Div 6)
- Tall (4-8 ft); large, trumpet-shaped, fragrant flowers (white, yellow, pink, apricot). Bloom mid-summer. Prefer alkaline/neutral soil, full sun. May need staking. Hardy Zones 4-8.
- Examples: 'Golden Splendor', 'African Queen', 'Pink Perfection'.
Other Important Groups
- Orienpet (OT) Hybrids: Oriental x Trumpet crosses. Large fragrant flowers, strong stems, heat tolerant, tall. Bloom mid-late summer (e.g., 'Silk Road'). Zones 4-9.
- LA Hybrids: Longiflorum x Asiatic crosses. Upward/outward flowers, pastels, light fragrance. Bloom early-mid summer. Good vigor. Zones 4-9.
- Species Lilies: Wild forms like L. martagon, L. regale, L. lancifolium.
EXTREME DANGER TO CATS: All parts of true lilies (Lilium spp.) are highly toxic to cats, causing fatal kidney failure. Do not grow if cats have access.
Planting Lily Bulbs
Proper planting depth and good drainage are essential.
When to Plant
- Fall (September/October): Preferred time. Allows root establishment.
- Spring: Possible. Plant as early as soil can be worked.
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Light: Full sun (6+ hours) best for most. Orientals appreciate some afternoon shade in hot climates. Aim for "sunny heads, shady feet."
- Soil: CRITICAL: Requires fertile, humus-rich, very well-draining soil. Rot quickly in waterlogged conditions. Amend heavy soil (compost/grit). pH preference varies (Asiatic adaptable; Oriental acidic; Trumpet alkaline/neutral).
- Depth: Plant 2.5 to 3 times deeper than bulb height (usually 6-8 inches deep). Encourages stability and stem rooting.
- Spacing: Space 8-18 inches apart. Plant in groups of 3 or 5.
Planting Technique
Good sun, excellent drainage, potential for lower stem shade.
Loosen deeply (12+ inches). Amend generously with compost. Add grit if needed. Adjust pH if targeting specific types.
Ensure 6-8 inch depth for most. Add bone meal/bulb fertilizer below bulb (optional).
Place bulb pointy-end-up. Handle scaly bulbs gently.
Cover bulb, firm gently. Water thoroughly.
Apply 2-3 inches organic mulch after planting/ground freeze to conserve moisture and keep roots cool.
Watering Lilies
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Keep soil consistently moist during active growth (spring) and flowering. Do not let dry out completely. Reduce watering after flowering. Bulbs prefer drier dormancy. Ensure drainage.
Fertilizing Lilies
- Benefit from regular feeding. Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer (or bulb food) early spring. Apply second feeding just before bloom. Potassium-rich helpful. Avoid high nitrogen.
Maintenance and Care
Staking
- Tall varieties often require staking. Install stakes early beside bulb, tie stem loosely as it grows.
Deadheading
- Remove individual faded flowers. After all flowers on stem finish, cut off only the top flower-bearing portion, leaving main stem and leaves intact.
Foliage and Stem Care (Crucial!)
- Allow lily stem and leaves to remain until they turn completely yellow or brown in fall. They replenish the bulb. Do NOT cut green stems down. Cut fully brown stems to ground.
Division
- Divide clumps every 3-5 years (or when flowering declines) in early fall. Dig carefully, gently separate bulbs/bulbils, replant immediately at proper depth.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Red Lily Leaf Beetle
Symptoms and Management
Bright red beetles and their larvae devour foliage, stems, buds. Can decimate plants.
- Action: VIGILANCE! Monitor early spring. Hand-pick into soapy water daily. Crush orange eggs on leaf undersides. Neem/insecticidal soap on larvae (repeat). Systemic insecticides or Spinosad for severe cases.
- Prevention: Early detection/removal crucial. Fall cleanup helps.
Botrytis Blight / Leaf Spot
Symptoms and Management
- Fungal diseases causing spots/blight, especially in wet/humid weather.
- Prevention/Control: Good air circulation. Water at base. Remove infected parts. Fungicides rarely needed unless severe.
Bulb Rot
Symptoms and Management
- Bulbs soft/mushy. Failure to emerge/weak growth.
- Cause: Poor drainage.
- Prevention: Provide excellent drainage! Amend soil. Avoid wet spots.
Conclusion
True lilies bring elegance, fragrance, and color to the summer garden. Success requires choosing appropriate types, planting deeply in well-drained soil, consistent moisture during growth, and allowing foliage to mature fully. Be vigilant for lily beetles and exercise extreme caution regarding toxicity to cats.
