Lilies are the elegant ladies of the garden. They grow tall, often needing staking, with slender green leaves, bounteous buds, and spectacular blooms. The only problem with lilies (other than the fact that burrowing animals consider them a delicacy) is that their season of bloom is over too soon.
There is nothing shy and demure about lilies, no matter what color they may be. When you plant them, you are creating an instant focal point, so take care where you plant them!
Lilies are wonderful companions to flowers of the midsummer garden. Here a profusion of orange lilies combine with white Shasta daisies and blue bachelor's buttons for a brilliant display.
Fragrant white Oriental lilies growing along the fence, shaded by fruit trees. These bloom during July 4th festivities. They do bend toward the sun, but still bloom beautifully.
Shorter, orange, upward-facing and non-fragrant Asiatic lilies make a strong statement in the June garden. Lilies can bloom from May through August, depending on the variety. The Asiastics are vigorous growers in many colors and heights.
Pink lilies in the summer border. Some areas of the garden are bothered by gophers, voles, pigs, and mice, which love lily bulbs. If you are bothered by these pests, you may have to use mesh bags when you plant, or dose the area with castor oil in the fall.
Frilly shorter lilies set off by the Sweet Caroline purple ipomoea and purple heliotrope in a collection of potted plants. Lilies will benefit from a handful of bone meal at the bottom of the planting hole. Make sure the soil does not stay dry too long.
The famous Stargazer lily
Let the bulb clumps grow and you will have a spectacular display
Can Lilies grow in Florida?
ReplyDeleteYou might be able to grow at least a few varieties of lilies, although a humid climate may result in fungus or rot. Lilies need good drainage and dislike standing water. The Asiatics need winter chilling, the same as daffodils and tulips.
ReplyDeleteYou might try the Orientals, Madonna (Lilium candidum) and Easter lilies (Lilium longifolium). Lilies like to be planted outside when it is cool, and and will sprout and grow rapidly after planting. Purchase lilies locally for the varieties that go best in your area, and check the temperature requirements. If you see any growing in a neighbor's garden, ask about it--you might find a lily that will outlast the heat and humidity.
Or, try daylilies! The flower form is similar, they have evergreen mounds of grassy foliage and flowers in many colors, some of them re-bloom, and they have iron-hardy constitutions.
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