LILIES

Planting Information

Lilies are a hardy, easy to grow bulb which may be enjoyed for many years if planted in a good location. Here in Vermont, all lilies do well through Zone 4.  Asiatic lilies, martagons, some species and a few other lilies are hardy into Zone 3.  Although they are said to be difficult to grow, lilies are easy to grow and will reward you for years to come if you follow of few simple rules.

Lilies must be planted in a well drained site. If you look at a bulb, it's clear why this is so important. Lily bulbs are comprised of upward-facing, fleshy, layered scales, with one scale on top of the next. If the bulb sits in water, it will hold water between the scales and begin to rot at the base. Keep this in mind and avoid planting lilies under the eaves of your home, close to a pond or stream, or in a wet area where water settles in the spring or after heavy storms. Your bulbs may last a year or two in such situations, but it's likely they will not survive.

Lilies do best in a soil rich in humus. Amend heavy clay soil with a mix of compost, sand and peat, well mixed with the soil. Commercial manures are fine but avoid the bagged products labeled "top soil". If you have access to composted maple leaves, these are great too.  Fresh manures should be avoided as they are often too "hot" and sometimes encourage fungal problems which can lead to bulb rot.  Leaves from black walnut, butternut and oak are better to avoid as they are high in tannic acid, thought by many to work against good bulb growth.

Bulbs should be planted about 6 inches deep in an area which receives at least half a day of sunlight. Try to avoid placing lilies close to trees or shrubs where they might have to compete with the roots over time.  Since lilies benefit from good air circulation, plant them 12-15 inches apart and they should be fine for several years. Before planting, think about what other plants are nearby. How tall and wide will those plants be in a few years? How do the colors, textures, leaf size and plant height serve to accentuate each other's strengths? As you read through these pages you'll notice  that we've tried to help you consider the possibilities of each plant we sell--lilies included!





Home   Astilbe   Daylily AC   DP   QZ   Hosta AK   LZ   Lilies   Lily Classifications   Lily Bulbs   Peonies   Shade Plants   Building a Hosta Garden   Deer Control   Garden Products   Invasives   Our Forests   Stone Steps   Autism   Virtual Tour 06   Virtual Tour 05   Virtual Tour 04   Virtual Tour 03   Virtual Tour 02   Find Us   Links   Order