What’s in a name? Where the phrase ‘the humble lily’ comes from, nobody knows. And it is a misnomer. It should be ‘the mighty lily’ or ‘the amazingly varied, superbly beautiful, spectacular lily.’ These flowers are nothing if not hardy, lovely, and available in hundreds of species, each as glorious as the rest.
The Asiatic lilies have developed over thousands of years, surviving all types of climate and soil conditions. Carvings of Asiatic species have been found in Egyptian tombs. The Oriental lilies are a close relative but add a lovely fragrance to their beauty.
A type of Asiatic hybrid, the Tiger Lily also sports an odd name. It doesn’t resemble an animal. It isn’t ferocious in any way. But it does have a very powerful beauty that can overwhelm the most intrepid flower hunter.
The Ginger Lily might be described the same way. It is not a relative of the spice and doesn’t taste or smell like it. Yet, it has a strong allure for those who want an outstanding floral display.
Beautiful Trumpet Lilies
Trumpet lilies at least do look like their namesake. With their large, bell-shaped petal display, they would sing out ‘beautiful!’ within any home or garden.
Martagons, with a name that avoids all the problems above, don’t have to announce anything. They’re beautiful, and people will come running regardless of what they’re called.
But perhaps the best lily name of all is the one that embraces all the others: wedding lilies.
They’re not a genus at all. Defined by the purpose for which they’re used, they encompass every type that will serve the goal of making that celebration all the more special.
But to get any of them, someone must grow them, no?
That means knowing how much (or how little) water they require and when. It requires studying the fertilizer types and how much to apply at the right time.
It also helps to know a fair amount about their common diseases and pests. Knowing how to prepare the soil or lay down mulch never hurts.
Beyond those growing tips, a bit of designer flair comes in handy. It does little good to know the difference between a Stargazer or a Mahogany Bell if you don’t know how best to use them.
Fertilizers Are Essential
Learning all about fertilizer is essential. But it doesn’t automatically provide one the knowledge of what to do with the flower when you’re done.
A combination of that technical skill and a designer’s eye is required to decide whether to grow lilies in a hothouse or inside the house. Similarly, both abilities are needed to choose between container gardening and outdoor planting.
At the end of the day, though, the most important thing you really need to know is how to enjoy them.
Take a look, pick what you like, and let your eyes draw in the loveliness that lilies always deliver. Then you’ll realize that the best phrase of all for these superb flowers is perhaps, ‘The Proud Lily’.
7322 by NA