Tips for Growing Lilies

Lilies (lat. Lilium) are monocotyledonous plants from the lily family (lat. Liliaceae). About 120 species of lilies have been described, growing in Europe, Asia, and North America. Lilies grow predominantly in temperate to subtropical climate zones, with some species also originating from mountains in Asian tropical regions. They have gained popularity especially through cultivated hybrids whose flowers shine in all possible colours. Growing lilies is not very demanding, and many species can easily overwinter as bulbs planted in the ground. If you don't have a garden, no problem - lilies can also be grown in a pot on the balcony. The most popular species include Lilium regale and Lilium auratum.

Lilies

Lilies are perennial plants that behave like all other bulbous plants. During the season, a plant grows from the bulb, flowers, forms fruits, and in winter the plant retreats back into the bulb. Lily bulbs consist of individual fleshy scales. The height of the plant depends on the specific species. Leaves are alternate, in some species they grow in whorls. Lily flowers are hermaphroditic, usually forming inflorescences. The flower consists of 6 tepals arranged in two whorls. In the centre of the flower are stamens and a three-lobed stigma. The stamens contain large amounts of pollen. The fruit of the lily is a capsule.

We have selected the most beautiful lily hybrids for you

• Lily "Cancun" is suitable for cutting. The tepals are yellow in the centre and red at the tips. This lily is suitable for forcing and for planting in beds. Lily "Cancun" thrives best in a sunny location in deep, humus-rich, moist and sufficiently well-drained soils.

• Lily "Bright star" is also suitable for cutting. The flowers are coloured in a peach shade, darker in the centre of the flower. It is grown in beds and in pots. For vases, stems are cut before the buds open.

Other hybrids suitable for cutting include "Tom Pouce" with pink-yellow flowers, "Rosela's Dream" with pink-white flowers, "Menorca" with light orange flowers, "Black beauty" with magnificent pink flowers with green tongues in the centre. We must not forget the trumpet lily "Pink perfection" with pink flowers. Another trumpet-flowering hybrid is the lily called "African Queen" with bright orange flowers.

• Tiger lily (lat. lilium tigrium) "Citronela" is a plant originating from Southeast Asia. It can be grown in beds and in pots, and can be cut for vase arrangements. Its flowers are yellow dotted with numerous black spots.

• The lily with the Latin name "Lilium pensylvanicum" grows to a height of 30 - 70 cm. The flower is orange in color, decorated with red spots. This lily blooms from June to July, is very easy to grow, and doesn't like drought.

• Snake lily is a rare plant originating from the Himalayas. Snake lily is accustomed to adverse climatic conditions, so it can easily survive winter. This lily blooms in autumn with purple, fragrant flowers. In appearance, snake lily remotely resembles an orchid. The advantage of snake lily is its medicinal properties.

Growing Lilies

Lilies can be grown in beds or in larger pots. Most lilies prefer a sunny and warm location sheltered from wind. The ideal substrate for lilies should be light, rich in nutrients, well-draining, enriched with mature compost or peat. Heavy, waterlogged soil is completely unsuitable. Lilies can remain in one location for 4 - 5 years, so try to choose the most suitable spot. Nutrients in the soil won't last that long, so regular fertilizing is necessary. Lilies don't like too much heat at the roots, as the saying goes "lilies like to keep their feet cool". The lower part should therefore be shaded with mulched grass or old straw. Lilies require regular watering, especially during flowering period - don't let lily plants suffer. When watering, ensure that as little water as possible comes into contact with leaves and flowers. Lilies cannot tolerate long-term waterlogging. After flowering, watering is reduced to a minimum, lilies can easily withstand longer drought periods at this time. Healthy growth and abundant flowering need to be supported with fertilizers. Commonly available fertilizers designed to promote flowering or Cererit have proven effective. After flowering, fertilizing is no longer necessary. Lilies cannot tolerate fertilizing with fresh farmyard manure. When growing lilies in beds, don't forget to regularly weed around the plants. For plants you haven't cut for vase arrangements, break off the seed pods after flowering so they don't waste energy unnecessarily. Since cultivated plants are mostly hybrids, the same lily as the parent plant wouldn't grow from seeds anyway.

Planting Lilies

Only healthy bulbs with roots should be planted in the soil. Discard bad bulbs to prevent diseases and pests from attacking healthy plants. Diseased parts of large bulbs can be cut off with a sharp knife. After the procedure, treat the cut surface with charcoal or another suitable disinfectant. Bulbs are planted in the soil from the end of September to the end of October, so that the bulbs have time to root at least a little before severe frosts arrive. Lily bulbs can also be planted in early spring. When planting, make sure that the tip of the bulb points upwards and is approximately 10 cm below the ground. In lighter soils it can be even deeper, while in heavy soils place it a bit higher. There should be good drainage of gravel or small stones under the bulb. Pour fine sand around the bulb. Cover the planted bulbs with suitable soil and water well. Protect freshly planted bulbs during the winter period from cold and especially from excess water. Build a shelter from sheet metal, glass or conifer branches over the planted lily bulbs. When covering, don't forget to leave at least a small air gap between the soil and the cover.

Growing Lilies in Containers

Most lily hybrids can be successfully grown in larger containers on a balcony, so you don't have to be disappointed if you don't have your own garden to grow beautiful lilies. Plant lilies in larger containers. For taller cultivars, heavier ceramic pots have proven effective, as mature plants won't tip over in windy weather. You can plant up to three lily bulbs in one container. Place smaller-growing lilies at the front, with taller plants at the back. Choose the container size according to the size of the bulbs being planted and their quantity in the container. The key to successful growing is creating a good drainage layer at the bottom of the container, which should consist of at least 5 cm (2 inches) of small stones or coarse gravel. Just as when planting in beds, sprinkle fine sand under the lily bulb. Place the bulb in a hole in the sand and cover with prepared substrate. The layer of soil above the bulb should not be higher than two to three times the bulb's diameter. Water the lilies thoroughly after planting. The best time for planting lilies is the turn of February and March. If you plant lilies gradually, the flowers will bring you joy for a longer period. Place containers with planted bulbs in a frost-free room, and after the first leaves emerge, move the containers to a bright location. Move the lilies to the balcony after ground frosts have passed. During the growing season, care for lilies in the same way as those planted in beds. Provide them with plenty of sun, water and nutrients. With proper care, lilies will reward you with magnificent flowers. After flowering, place the containers with lilies in a location protected from rain and allow the stems to mature (turn yellow), then carefully remove them and let the bulbs die back. Dormant bulbs can be transplanted, but it's not necessary. Unlike other bulbous plants, lily bulbs should not be allowed to dry out during transplanting. Store the container with lily bulbs for winter in a cool room (but it must not freeze!). In winter, don't forget to water the lilies occasionally and lightly, as the substrate must not dry out completely even during this period.