Lilies for Descanso Gardens

Lily (Lilium ) is a tall fragrant perennial growing from a bulb. It blooms mid-summer depending on planting date and type (Oriental Lilies bloom after the Asiatic.) Blossoms are in all shades except blue. Plants form large bulbs if happy in the location. They can be grown in containers, and make excellent cut flowers. They are dormant in winter, and are fairly hardy when left in the ground. Squirrels, gophers, mice, rabbits and deer make a beeline for them, so plant them in cages. Even the birds will sometimes make holes in the buds. Their blooms are worth all the trouble! Hummingbirds love them.
Lilies are classified into nine divisions, each of which may have special considerations for the collector. Follow the links on the American Lily Society (shown below) web site to learn more about these.

• CULTIVATION:
  • Location: Plant in full sun shading the base of the plant.
  • Soil: They will survive in ordinary, well drained; somewhat acidic to neutral soil. They do like soil enriched with humus or leaf mold.
  • Water: Water freely while the plant is in active growth (late spring through mid-summer.)
  • Seasonal care: Mulch with dry mulch for the winter and remove it in early spring. If your site is extra cold, dig in fall and place in cool (not freezing) storage.
• PROPAGATION: Lilies may be started from seed as soon as it ripens in fall. Their bulbs are formed from overlapping scales. You can remove some as soon as foliage dies back and plant them. Seeds, scales and bulbils will take a while to develop, so they are best started in a protected cold frame or flat.
• ORGANIZATIONS: Find out more about lilies! Check out the North American Lily Society.
• SOURCES: Local nurseries and mail order sources.

Return to your spot in the red flower list

Return to your spot in the yellow flower list

Go to the top

HOME | ABOUT US | CONTACT US | SITE MAP