Asiatic Lilies

Rebecca's Garden : Episode REB-728 -- More Projects »

Figure A

Of all the flowers in the perennial garden, Asiatic lilies (figure A) are some of the hardiest. They're true lilies, unlike daylilies, because they have leaves on their stems and grow from a bulb. Asiatics produce magnificent flowers in a wide range of shapes, colors and sizes. They grow best in USDA Zones 3 to 8.

Floral arranging

Figure B

Asiatic lilies are popular in floral arranging because some cultivars have flowers that face upward while others face outward or downward (figure B). When cutting an Asiatic lily for use in an arrangement, one general rule of thumb is to leave half- to three-quarters of the stem to help replenish the bulb for next year. If you do an incredible amount of cutting on all your lilies, you'll reduce their flower production for next year.

Figure C

If there's a drawback to lilies, it's the pollen they produce. It transfers easily to skin, clothes and linens if you're not extra careful, and it can even sometimes stain them. To avoid messy pollen, use the cultivar 'Corsage' (figure C). It's a little more difficult to find, but it's an early bloomer and produces a petite flower without pollen.

Planting bulbs
The best time to plant Asiatic lilies is in the fall. Plant bulbs in an area with good drainage that gets plenty of sunshine. Amend soil with peat moss, compost and dry leaves.

Figure D

Figure E

Select a mix of early-, mid- and late-blooming varieties to get the best extension on the growing season. Once you buy your bulbs, plant them as quickly as possible. Dig a hole three- to four-inches deep, place the bulb with the roots facing down and the point facing up (figure D), and cover with soil. Space bulbs about six inches apart. For a dramatic look, plant an odd number of bulbs in a cluster (figure E).

To remind yourself of what was planted, mark bulbs with a plant label. As the temperature drops, add a layer of mulch. Then sit back and prepare for next spring.

Bulb care
When spring arrives, remove mulch after the last frost. Take extra care not to remove the new growth starting to emerge. Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer followed by an application of water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks. Your lilies should bloom from June through August, depending on the varieties of bulbs you plant. Keep in mind that lilies are like other perennials. They should be divided every three to five years to keep the color extravaganza going year after year.

Also in this Episode

Rebecca's Garden : Episode REB-728
•	Potscaping
•	Bugs: The Good and the Bad
•	Growing Green in NYC
•	Asiatic Lilies

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