To the uninitiated, this may seem like a job for the expert or specialist, but I assure you, it is not.
Lilies can be grown anywhere, from the Near Arctic almost to the Tropics. It is not necessary to imitate the habitat of the species exactly.
The main thing is picking lilies adapted to the conditions at hand, either species from a similar climate or vigorous new hybrids that can make themselves home anywhere. Then give them reasonably good growing conditions. That is all.
Fall Planting Lilies
Fall planting is much preferred to spring, for the lilies will go into the ground fresh from digging and with their thick roots still in good condition.
However, if necessary, properly stored bulbs may be planted in the spring, or—if the location is not yet ready—they can be carried over winter in pots and transplanted without setback at any season.
Good Drainage
The important thing is to give them good drainage. Lilies do not like wet feet. Even the “swamp” lilies are raised above the moisture.
The soil may be light or heavy, but humus is helpful, and although it does not seem to make too much difference, soil slightly on the acid side will usually do well.
Light Requirements
In the South, a little shade is preferable to full sun since the colors are less likely to bleach. Also, a 2- to 8-inch mulch of oak leaves, pine needles, straw, buckwheat hulls, or sugar cane bagasse will save much watering and keep the soil cool.
And don’t plant too deeply. Five to 6” inches to the bottom of the bulb is enough (almost at the surface for Madonnas).
Lilies can pull themselves down but can’t push themselves up if buried too deeply.
Variety of Lilies
As for varieties, my suggestions are several. Try formosanums, and among the longiflorus choose such improved sorts as Estate and Georgia Belle. Then there are the ubiquitous Tiger lilies and the older Candlestick lilies, formerly listed as umbellatus and elegans.
However, since many of these are infected with a virus, my preferences would be for the more disease-resistant Rainbow and Fiesta Hybrids; Heart’s Desire, Golden Clarion, and Sunburst Aurelian Hybrids; and the Green Mountain and Olympic Hybrids among the trumpet lilies.
44659 by Jan De Graaff