Lilium Bulbs Flowers and Plants

Liliums are a widely grown bulb in the UK with species such as white flowering Lilium Longifolium and Lilium Candidum being very popular. Generally avalable for sale online from November through to January lilium bulbs do well in pots and containers as well as in the garden.

Lilium bulbs will flower early to mid summer depending on species and growing conditions. We are generally looking at three types of lilies in this section, species lilliums, Asiatic Lilies and Oriental lilies.

The species are the originals, many with specific forms and colorings, Asiatics and Orientals are the large flowering hybrids we see widely sold as cut flowers. With all types bulbs need to be planted in autumn to early spring once the soil has warmed up. Yes containers are suitable for growing lilies.

Care and growing conditions

Growing Lilium bulbs is fairly simple, plant out in February to March in a position with some protection from wind as liliums are fairly tall growing. Remember that that these bulbs require a well drained soil otherwise they may rot over winter.

A sunny position and a humus rich well drained soil is essential for good flower production, some shade in the afternoon is useful. Dig the soil over well with some well rotted compost and manure. Bulbs can be planted at around 20cm (8inches) and give them some space to multiply if you intend to leave them in the ground so around 30cm apart. When new shoots begin to appear they can be well watered, but not wet.

Apply a liquid fertilizer such as a seaweed based product every two to thee weeks. Mulch in summer to provide a cool root run add a little potash as well. Many growers use supports to help hold the flower heads high as the large flowers are heavy and can tend to drag the plant down. Flowers can be picked when semi open. Care is minimal, deadhead spent flowers and remove old foliage when it has died back in autumn.

Propagation

Species can be grown from seed, all lilies will produce offsets and larger clumps can be divided in early spring before growth starts. The experts also 'chip' bulbs to produce larger numbers.