Lilies have become so popular that many gardeners are trying varieties which not too long ago would have been seen in few private gardens. Not only are average gardeners planting lilies, but they are finding that the old myth about lilies being difficult to grow is just that – a myth.
Today, with chemicals for the control of diseases and insects, together with the fact that healthy American-grown bulbs of hybrids are available at reasonable prices, there is no reason to have a garden without lilies. With the trend in gardening aimed at easy maintenance and with an accent on focal points of interest, lilies are destined to play an important role.
Although lilies have been known to mankind from the beginning of civilization and have been collected from the far corners of the globe, it is only with the recent development and introduction of many strong-growing new hybrids that lilies are taking their rightful place in gardens.
Early Days Shipping Was An Issue
In earlier days, when bulbs were shipped great distances by land and sea, then held in quarantine for long periods, they were so thoroughly dried out by the time they reached their destination that it is small wonder they were unable to adapt themselves. Indeed, it is surprising they flourished sufficiently to inspire gardeners to continue growing them. This is probably the basic reason for the mistaken belief that lilies are difficult to grow. The new hybrids of today, however, are almost as easy to grow as any other plant, and it is these newer types which are just beginning to be discovered by home gardeners.
New colors, new forms, disease resistance and hardiness are the principal features being bred into these hybrids. Today, lilies are available in an array of rainbow colors with new flower forms and varying heights from 1 to 8 feet. So, every gardener can develop his own planting design.
Grown Around The Country
Lilies are grown in all sections of the country and require less work than many other flowers. I grow many of the hybrids, as well as some of the older varieties, and try to add a few new ones each year.
From May until late fall, lilies will produce blooms of many colors and shapes. As each variety comes into flower in my garden I find it is almost impossible to name a favorite. In early May the L. umbellatum hybrids arc showing buds which will bring a burst of many shades of orange, apricot, yellow and red about the time the azaleas are beginning to fade. I like to use these in border beds, scattered among columbines, with pansies, primroses and dainty blue forget-me-nots for companions.
With the exception of the L. candidum and L. testaceum, which should be planted in late summer, most lilies do well whether planted in the fall or early spring, at least here in the Pacific Northwest. Bulbs offered for spring planting have been carefully held in cold storage by growers and can be planted as early as weather permits.
Some hybrids, provide early blooming lilies which may be grown in partial shade or-sun. They average about 4 feet in height and vary from yellow to orange and red. Several have been named and should be included in your lily selection for a colorful garden display.
In one border with a background planting of delphinium and Siberian iris, I have interplanted the improved Madonna, CASCADE, with its glistering pure white flowers, and used the stately lilies and daisies to the front.
Not a new lily but one seen far too seldom is the dainty L. Martagon album with its waxy white, Turk’s cap blooms which grow symmetrically on pyramidal four foot stems. I have one planting of this lily in partial shade in rich soil and it thrives with no special care.
The bright and happy hybrids make a striking patch of color during July, with color variations from bright yellow to a rich, dark red, a new color in this type of lily. These will vary from 4 to 6 feet and should be planted in full sun. The flowers are somewhat reflexed and are very good for use in arrangements.
The Aurelian hybrids, a strain, the result of crosses between L. Henryi and the trumpet lilies, varies from open bowl-shape to full trumpets. There are many variations in color and shape which provide added interest in growing these hybrids.
How I Grow My Lilies
I haven’t mentioned any particular care I give my lilies. Perhaps that is one reason I like to grow them and one that makes a lily such a satisfactory flower. Once it has been properly planted, it doesn’t have to be lifted and stored every season. In fact, the more you leave it alone, the more it will do for you. I try to keep the soil loosely worked and free of weeds. I spray carefully in the spring when the aphids make their appearance. In the fall when I grind my summer’s accumulation of compost. I put a mulch over the beds after the final clean up. This is repeated during the summer, adding a little fertilizer before the blooming period. Then all I have to do is to wait for the buds to begin another season’s display.
Growing these new lilies will open a phase of gardening which will provide a great deal of pleasure for anyone who has never watched a lovely lily unfold or walked in a moonlit garden when the scent of lilies fills the heart with peace and gladness.
P. S. I love lilies.
by F Talbot – 64797
