Lilies are beautiful and diverse flowering plants that come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Here are eight popular varieties of lilies along with some tips on growing them:
- Asiatic Lilies (Lilium asiatic):
- Characteristics: Asiatic lilies are known for their upward-facing flowers with bold, vibrant colors. They are typically unscented and come in various hues, including red, orange, yellow, and pink.
- Growing Tips: Plant bulbs in well-draining soil in full sun to partial shade. Water regularly and provide support for taller varieties.
- Oriental Lilies (Lilium orientalis):
- Characteristics: Oriental lilies are renowned for their large, fragrant flowers that often have a strong, sweet scent. They come in shades of white, pink, and magenta.
- Growing Tips: Plant bulbs in rich, well-draining soil with good organic matter. Provide partial shade and keep the soil consistently moist.
- Trumpet Lilies (Lilium longiflorum):
- Characteristics: Trumpet lilies have large, trumpet-shaped flowers and are often fragrant. They typically come in white or cream colors.
- Growing Tips: Plant bulbs in well-draining soil in full sun to partial shade. Trumpet lilies can be sensitive to wind, so choose a sheltered location.
- Daylilies (Hemerocallis):
- Characteristics: Daylilies are not true lilies but are often included in discussions about lilies. They have grass-like foliage and come in a wide array of colors. Each flower typically lasts only one day.
- Growing Tips: Plant in well-draining soil in full sun to partial shade. Daylilies are hardy and low-maintenance, requiring regular watering.
- Easter Lily (Lilium longiflorum):
- Characteristics: Easter lilies are known for their trumpet-shaped, fragrant white flowers. They are often associated with the Easter holiday.
- Growing Tips: Plant bulbs in well-draining soil, and they prefer filtered sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist.
- Tiger Lilies (Lilium lancifolium):
- Characteristics: Tiger lilies feature distinct, spotted petals in shades of orange and red. They have a unique and eye-catching appearance.
- Growing Tips: Plant bulbs in well-draining soil in full sun to partial shade. Tiger lilies are hardy and can tolerate a range of soil conditions.
- Martagon Lilies (Lilium martagon):
- Characteristics: Martagon lilies have small, turk’s cap-shaped flowers and are known for their graceful appearance. Colors range from shades of pink and purple to white.
- Growing Tips: Plant bulbs in well-draining, slightly acidic soil in partial shade. Martagon lilies are well-suited for woodland garden settings.
- Canary Yellow Lilies (Lilium ‘Yelloween’):
- Characteristics: Canary Yellow Lilies, such as the ‘Yelloween’ variety, are hybrid lilies with large, bright yellow flowers. They are fragrant and make a bold statement in the garden.
- Growing Tips: Plant bulbs in well-draining soil in full sun. Provide support for tall stems and water consistently.
General Lily Growing Tips:
- Plant lily bulbs in the fall for spring or early summer blooms.
- Mulch around the base of the plants to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Provide support for taller lily varieties to prevent stems from bending or breaking.
- Monitor for pests and diseases, and address issues promptly.
Keep in mind that specific growing conditions may vary slightly depending on the variety and your local climate, so it’s always beneficial to check with local gardening experts or nurseries for region-specific advice.