Growing true lilies

Posted from 08/13/05:

There's one member of my household who seems to enjoy sniffing the bouquets of flowers I bring in from the garden. I never catch her in the act, but the telltale yellow pollen stains on her furry white face tell me she's stopped to smell the flowers when the lilies are in bloom. Did I mention, she's the family cat? I wonder if she enjoys them as much as we do.

There are several different species bearing the common name of lily. Daylily, calla lily, toad lily and surprise lily are not "true lilies." That term is exclusive to lilies that originate from underground bulbs and produce large showy blossoms in the summer. True lilies, Turk's Cap, Trumpet, Asiatic and Oriental lilies, are easy to grow, versatile and can provide a summer full of color if different types of lilies are planted.

Limited only by their lack of scent, Asiatic Liles are among the first lilies to bloom in the garden.

Beginning in late May and going into early June, their upward or outward facing flowers come in the widest array of pastel and bright colors, excluding only blue. Many are freckled with dark spots. These lilies are among the hardiest and multiply quickly. Reaching a range of height from 2 feet to 5 feet, they are suitable for the back, middle or front of the garden.

If you just can't bring yourself to grow a flower in your garden without fragrance, choose Oriental Lilies. Blooming from mid to late summer, these sweetly scented lilies begin about the same time their Asiatic counterparts are finished. Available in a range of white, red and pink, their can be brushed, spotted or edged in darker or a contrasting color. Oriental hybrids are often taller than the Asiatic lilies, reaching 3 feet to 6 feet, and prefer protection from high winds. Staking may be needed, too.

A very simple and striking bloom is the Trumpet Lily. With spotless, fused petals, their flowers resemble a trumpet. Highly fragrant and outward facing, and once available only in white and yellow, recent hybridizing has expanded their palette of colors. Reaching

4 feet to 8 feet tall, they will prefer protection from wind but will provide you with color and scent about the same time as the Oriental Lilies.

Turk's Cap Liles are one of the best choices for the Iowa garden and the shape of their petals provide an interesting addition. Native to woodlands, this lily is one of the few that likes a little shade. Height ranges from 4 feet to 7 feet and bloom mid July to early August.

Fall is an excellent time to plant or transplant lilies. Their bulbs are composed of fleshy scales without a protective covering and are never completely dormant so careful handling is in order. Whether purchasing or transplanting, prompt planting in necessary to keep the bulb from drying.

When transplanting existing lilies, check first for any plants that may be infected with the lily mosaic disease. This viral disease will result in stunting and distortion of the leaves in severe cases. Early on, look for mottled dark and light green streaks on the leaves. Discard (don't throw in the compost pile) any that may be diseased. Luckily the disease, spread by aphids, affects only the plant so if all traces of the plant above and below ground are removed, the soil will be fine for replanting.

Lilies prefer large amounts of organic matter such as compost or leaf mold in slightly acidic (6.5 PH) soil.

Manure should be well decomposed and three or four years old. Fresh manure should never be used, even as a mulch, or root rot could develop. The ideal site would be slightly sloped for very excellent drainage with direct sunlight. Never plant lilies in areas where water might stand, even for short periods of time. The lilies will thrive with smaller plants or mulch at their base to shade and cool their roots.

Most lilies require relatively deep planting as their stems will develop roots in the area between the top of the bulb to the soil line. Small bulbs should be planted about 4 inches deep and larger bulbs 6 to 8 inches deep for these roots to develop.

Along with being memorable garden performers, lilies make excellent cut flowers and will last a long time in the vase. Make sure not to remove too much of the existing plant. Leave at least half to two thirds of the stem and foliage to regenerate the bulb for next year. Before bringing them indoors removing the anthers, the structure of the flower that holds the pollen, will help prevent pollen from staining clothing, indoor materials and even the family cat.

This article was written by Mimi Shanahan, Woodbury County Extension Horticulturist.