Careful selection of lilies keeps them blooming all summer
Lilies are a favorite in the summer landscape. Their form and flower are at home in all garden styles from cottage to formal. They bloom in big, bold and bright colors in shades of pink, rose, red, orange, yellow and white. Many also offer delightful fragrance.
Midwest gardeners can choose from several types of lilies. Asiatic, Oriental, tiger lilies and newer types like LA hybrids and orienpets are most commonly found at local garden centers.
Asiatic lilies are the earliest to bloom - from early to midsummer. The flowers on most Asiatic varieties face upward and are not fragrant.
Blooming at the other end of summer, Oriental lilies begin showing off their large flowers as Asiatic lilies start winding down. The blooms on Oriental lilies are sweetly fragrant. In the evening, their scent intensifies.
Tiger lilies boast their large flowers with freckled petals in August. They multiply, forming large clumps over time.
LA hybrids are a cross between Asiatic lilies and Lilium longifolium. They combine the beauty of both parents, but have the hardiness of Asiatic lilies.
Orienpets are another cross - between Oriental lilies and trumpet lilies, sometimes called Easter lilies. They are hardier than trumpet lilies and their flowers fill the air with their sweet perfume.
By choosing a variety of different types of lilies, gardeners can fill their summer gardens with lily blooms from start to finish.
Lilies require two things for a long and happy life - lots of sunshine and well-drained soil. To improve soil drainage, add lots of organic matter.
Lilies grow from bulbs that can be planted in spring or fall. Bulbs should be firm with some roots attached. Plant them 6 inches deep and 6 to 12 inches apart. For the best visual effect, plant lilies in groups of five or more of the same variety. If bulbs are planted in the fall, add a layer of mulch to keep the soil warm as long as possible to facilitate root growth.
Potted lilies, available at local garden centers, can be planted at any time during the growing season.
Apply a balanced fertilizer, to the soil covering lilies in spring, according to the instructions on the label. Lilies are heavy feeders so continue feeding every few weeks until they have finished flowering.
Apply mulch in the spring to keep their roots cool and the soil moist. Supplemental watering may be necessary during periods of active growth if Mother Nature doesn't provide sufficient rainfall.
Taller varieties of lilies and those planted in areas exposed to strong winds may require staking. Use caution when inserting stakes to avoid damaging bulbs. Use soft plant ties to secure lily stems to stakes to prevent injury to stems.
Deadhead spent flowers to discourage lilies from wasting energy producing seeds. Break off flowers where they attach to stems, leaving stems and foliage to store food in bulbs for next year's flowers. Cut stems after they have browned.
• Diana Stoll is a horticulturist, garden writer and the garden center manager at The Planter's Palette in Winfield. She blogs regularly gardenwithdiana.com.