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Tiger lilies, L. lancifolium (syn L. tigrinum), were often grown in early New Zealand gardens, and you may still find them if you look. Striking and adding a different colour note to the border, Tiger lilies are easy and their recurved spotted flowers are attractive in the late summer border. Tiger lilies can carry viruses, though, and while these don't seem to bother the Tiger Lily itself, you should take care not to plant them near or with other lilies that could be infected.
Asiatic hybrids trace their origins back to a number of Asian lilies species. Most of this group lack fragrance but are popular as cut flowers. Asiatic lilies come in some of the deepest hues of orange and brick-reds as well as clear yellow. The blooms are usually upward facing although some are pendant, and they flower from early to mid-summer. Asiatic lilies are amongst they hardiest of the lilium family and can be grown in the coldest areas of New Zealand.
Trumpet lilies, hybrids from L. longiflorum and L.regale, include some lovely fragrant varieties, in many shades. L. 'Golden Splendour' is an oldie but a goodie from this group, 'Pink Perfection', Áfrican Queen', and 'Green Magic' are all covetable while 'White Fox' has been selected for its clear, pure white flowers. |
L. 'Stargazer'
One of the most popular lilies ever |
Oriental hybrids are descendants of L. speciosum and L. auratum from Japan. The 'Stargazer', bred in the 19070's is one of the most popular hybrids ever introduced. Orientals 'Casa Blanca' and 'Journey's End' are very fragrant and late flowering.
L. candidum, the Madonna lily, has been grown since antiquity. It was a sacred symbol in ancient civilisations, was associated with the Virgin Mary, and its white flowers have been used in many famous artworks. Yet, in England, it was always reputed to grow more lustily in cottagers' gardens than at the 'big house'. L. candidum is the odd one out amongst the Lilium family. It is planted shallowly, with its 'nose' just below the surface and likes a warm, sunny open position.
For sheer flower power, elegance and fragrance, lilies are hard to beat. There is sure to be a lily suited to your garden and climate, so add these elegant beauties to your garden and enjoy one of the loveliest of our garden plants. Given the right conditions you'll find them are surprising easy.
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L. lancifolium, the Tiger lily
L. 'Chianti', an Asiatic lily |
Lilies in containers
Lilies are ideal container plants as this gives them the sharp drainage that they prefer. Use a well-drained potting mix and plant in a deep pot, placing the bulb at least 5cm below the surface of the soil when full. If you use a large pot, up to three ulbs can be planted, giving a better display.
Keep the containers in a cool position until the lilies show through the soil when they will require more light and moisture.
Move into a sunny position for flowering, but keep the pot in the shade, behind other pots of lower growing plants is ideal, and water well. After flowering move into a sheltered corner and water well - drying out is death.
Bulbs can be planted in the garden after they have died down. Bulbs in large pots may last two or more seasons in the same pot or can be repotted. If you keep them in pots then fertilising is essential. A dilute mixture of tomato fertiliser is English gardener Alan Titchmarsh's trick, weekly during the summer.
Another famous gardener, Gertrude Jekyll grew lilies in pots. These were the buried in her borders to fill gaps left after early summer flowering plants had finished. | |
L. longiflorum
L. 'Deamland' |
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