Hardy lilies are some of the easiest and most reliable plants you can have in your garden. They are perennials in our area, meaning they come back every year. You'll find these lilies sorted by two general classifications: Asiatic and Oriental.
Asiatic lilies are available in a range of beautiful colors and are fragrant-free. Asiatic lilies will spread and multiply in your garden, once they are established.
Asiatic lilies have multiple narrow leaves running up and down the stem and resemble small artichokes as they emerge. Oriental lilies are fragrant, tend to be taller then Asiatic lilies and multiply slowly in your garden. Both types of lilies are tall perennials with flower stalks ranging from 18" to over 6'. These stalks are sturdy and typically will support themselves, without the need to stake them. Lilies will do well in full sun or partial shade. Once you’ve selected the site, amend your existing soil by adding 2" to 3" of compost, worked in to about 8". Lilies like well-draining soils and the compost will enrich your existing soil and improve drainage.
Lilies can be planted from rooted container stock or
from bulbs. The soil preparation is the same.
Bulbs should be planted three times as deep as the height of the bulb, with the flat side down. If you're planting from potted lilies, dig a hole as deep as the container and twice as wide.
Add some bone meal to the bottom of the hole for additional Phosphate, cover slightly, then water to moisten the soil. Gently remove the plant from the container and set it in the ground at the same height it was in the container. Fill in around the plant and water thoroughly. In a short time, your lilies will begin to flower and will continue to bloom well into July.
Asiatic and Oriental lilies are popular with gardeners everywhere because of their low maintenance and big, bright long-lasting flowers. While they are in bloom, they quickly become the center of attention. A great addition to your perennial garden.
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