There is a range of Lilium varieties to choose from and they are not difficult to grow. They come in many colours, often spotted or streaked. Among our favourites are Asiatics, Orientals, Longiflorums, LA and OT Hybrids. When choosing your Liliums, consider the height and blooming time as well as the flower colour.
When Your Bulbs Arrive
- Lilies are available for purchase in winter and spring and are generally packed in a moist organic mix to keep the bulbs moist.
- It is important that the bulbs remain moist right up until you choose to plant them. This is very important as lilies do not have a dormant cycle like many other bulbs.
Choosing The Right Position
- Whether you choose to plant your lilies in the garden or in your favourite pot, Lilies require a sunny or semi-shaded position where there is good drainage.
- Drainage can be improved by planting on a slight slope, raising beds or planting in raised mounds of soil.
- Taller Lily varieties may need staking to support the stems, particularly in open areas where there is less protection from wind.
- Oriental Lilies prefer protection from hot sun.
When to Plant
- Lilies are best planted in the home garden from late winter into spring.
- Bulbs should be planted approximately 10cm deep and 10cm apart. This can vary depending on what effect you want to create in your own garden. It is, however, very important that you water as soon as possible after planting, even if it is raining.
Maintenance
- Lilies need to be kept moist during their growing cycle and one way of conserving water is by mulching. This will keep the soil cool and moist whilst also minimising the growth of weeds in your garden.
- Old faded flowers can look unattractive and are best removed to prevent disease.
- If cutting flowers ensure you leave adequate leaves to feed the bulb.
Fertilising
- Ideally lilies should be fertilised twice during their growing cycle. First at the time of planting and secondly after the bulbs has finished flowering. This will provide the bulb with the energy to repeat flower again the following year.
- Any complete fertiliser from our range will do.
After Flowering Care
- Once your lilies have finished flowering and the stem of the bulb has turned yellow (in autumn) you can cut the stem off – but not before. By removing the stems any earlier you are in effect starving the bulb of all the energy it needs to flower again the following year.
- Lilies can be left in the ground for several years without having to transplant them, but if you are planning to dig and replant your bulbs this should be done in autumn.
LILIUM SELECTION GUIDE
Asiatic Lilies
- The most popular lilium breed in Australia.
- Stem length is approximately 80cm tall.
- Asiatics are bred for their bright colours; ranging from whites through to deep burgundys.
- Bulbs flower approx 13 weeks after planting.
- Each bulb can produce up to 4-5 blooms.
- Non-fragrant.
Oriental Lilies
- Orientals are not only bred for their stunning blooms but they are also more resistant to disease, produce more flowers and grow well in nearly all climates.
- Stem length can range between 80-150cm tall.
- These lilies have a smaller colour range, varying from white and pinks to yellows.
- Each bloom has distinct large and reflexed petals; some even with ruffled edges.
- Highly fragrant.
Longiflorum Lilies
- Are best known as ‘Christmas Lilies’ or 'November Lilies' in warmer areas.
- Stem length can range between 80-120cm tall.
- Longiflorum lilies are commonly white and all share the same classic large trumpet flower head.
- Bulbs flower approx. 17 weeks after planting.
- Fragrant.
Regale Lilies
- The original Trumpet Lily
- Tall stems up to 1.5m
- Mature bulbs produce 4-6 large flowers in mid summer
- Sweet fragrance
- Easy to grow
Tiger Lilies
- One of the oldest species in cultivation
- Petals curve backward (recurved) and double form is popular
- Hardy
- Clusters of flowers of up to 25 blooms
- Can be propagated from bulbils on stem
- Tall stems of 1.5m or more
LA Hybrid Lilies
- LA Hybrids are a relative new-comer to the lilium range; being a cross between both the Asiatic and Longiflorum Lilies.
- The combination of both the Asiatic & Longiflorum breeds produces a larger Asiatic style flower with the added stem length and fragrance of the Longiflorum.
- Stem length is approximately 90cm tall.
- Bulbs will flower approx. 15 weeks after planting.
- Lightly fragrant.
OT Hybrids
- The latest in lilium breeding from Europe.
- A cross between Oriental and Longiflorum Lilies.
- Bred for long vase life and floral arranging.
- Ideal for cutflowers and garden display.
- Tall strong stems topped with multiple flowers and a soft scent.
- Approximately 1.1m tall.
Dwarf Lilies
- Short compact 40cm stems.
- Dwarf lilies make the perfect pot plant.
- Also include a select range of bright colours.
- Bulbs flower approx 13-16 weeks after planting.
- Dwarf lilies are available in both Asiatic (non-fragrant) and Oriental (fragrant) varieties.
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