Lillies

Lilies are leafy stemmed herbs. They form naked or tunic-less scaly underground bulbs which are their overwintering organs. In some North American species the base of the bulb develops into rhizomes, on which numerous small bulbs are found. Some species develop stolons. Most bulbs are deeply buried, but a few species form bulbs near the soil surface. Many species form stem-roots. With these, the bulb grows naturally at some depth in the soil, and each year the new stem puts out adventitious roots above the bulb as it emerges from the soil. These roots are in addition to the basal roots that develop at the base of the bulb.

Most cool temperate species are dormant in winter. Most species are deciduous, but a few species (Lilium candidum, Lilium catesbaei) bear a basal rosette of leaves during dormancy.

The large flowers have six tepals. They are often fragrant, and come in a range of colours ranging through whites, yellows, oranges, pinks, reds and purples. Markings include spots and brush strokes. The plants are late spring or summer flowering.

Seeds ripen in late summer. They exhibit varying and sometimes complex germination patterns, many adapted to cool temperate climates.

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Growing lilies and plant care

Lilies are propagated mainly by means of bulbs. They are also grown from seeds, scales, bulbils and bulblets. One can buy lily bulbs online or from a local bulb vendor.

Although the lilies grown from seeds are more disease resistant, the only disadvantage with growing lilies from seeds is that the lily plants take a longer time to bloom, and maybe, in some cases, even take five to six years. Hence, bulbs are very much preferred in growing lilies.

Lilies are usually planted during fall or spring in the garden.
Lilies can also be grown in containers or outdoors.
A cool, porous and well-drained soil is essential for the good growth of lilies.
Adding large amounts of organic matter will improve clay or sandy soils. The bulbs will stay in place for several years, so good bed preparation is an investment for the future.
The ideal location for Lilies will provides direct sun all morning during the summer, with partial shade during hot afternoon hours.
When selecting bulbs, be sure that they do not look dry or shriveled, and plant them immediately.
Proper spacing is usually 12 to 18 inches apart but varies according to the variety selected.
As soon as the soil has become consistently warm during late spring, apply a 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the plants. The mulch will conserve soil moisture and keep the soil (and bulbs) from becoming too hot during the summer.

Lilies do not require daily watering, but when watering, be sure to water deep enough to reach the bulb.
Feed the plants with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.
Remove seedpods when they appear.
Also, remove stems and foliage when leaves become yellow.
The mulch should be removed in late fall.
Keep lilies blooming by removing blossoms as they fade. This prevents the plant from expending its energy in producing seed.

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Species of lilies

Plants in the Liliales grow from bulbs or corms, both of which will store food over the winter or during the dry season. Unlike other Liliales, these vines produce their flowers in spherical clusters called Umbels, as in Bomarea.

True Lilies are composed of fleshy scales without a protective outer coating. True Lilies are never dormant.

There are numerous Lily varieties. But among the Lily varieties, only groups like the Asiatics and the Orientals are the most popular flowers and are widely grown.

- Asiatic Lilies - small flowers, less fragrant, wide colors
- Trumpet/Aurelian Lilies
- Oriental Lilies - Have strong fragrances, few colors, larger flowers
- The Wild Lilies
- Martagon hybrid Lilies - Edible and Esculent herbs
- Candidum hybrid Lilies
- American hybrid Lilies
- Longiflorum hybrid Lilies - strong, sweet fragrance, large funnel shaped flowers, usually white.

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Lilies flowers

Lilies of different kinds are commonly found all across the globe. Lilies come in different shapes, sizes and colors.

Lilies are really excellent plants for beds and borders. Lilies are suitable for use in a shrub border, as accent plants, a formal or naturalized pool planting. Even some of the small species would fit perfectly in an alpine rock garden.

Due to its regal beauty and the variety in color and type that can symbolize a variety of meanings, Lilies are also popular flowers for gifting purposes. Among the flower bouquets of lilies, stargazer and cassablanca lily bouquets are the most sought after floral bouquets. Besides bouquets, lily bulbs as well as potted lily plants are also popular gifts.

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