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GROWING LILIES
Lilies are a very versatile
bulb, suitable for most
situations, provided a few simple rules are followed:
1. Use compost /soil suitable for the variety - some are calcifuge and need an
acid soil (see full description) others are not fussy
2. All lilies like a rich, fertile soil. Feed with a low nitrogen fertiliser, especially after flowering to build up
the new bulb, and water regularly- uneven watering is the usual cause of failure
to flower. This is also necessary in the open garden in dry weather
3. Ensure good drainage or the bulbs might rot in the winter. Add crocks to your
pot or plant the bulbs on a handful of gravel if you have a heavy soil.
4. Most lilies prefer a cool root run but like their heads in the sun. Move pots
that have finished flowering into a shaded place and continue to water and feed.
5. Plant lilies with at least 5" of soil above the bulb which means a LARGE
pot if you are using one.
6. Keep a look out for the red lily beetle. This does no harm but its disgusting
grubs can eat all the leaves in a few days. Either pick them off by hand or use
a recommended spray to control them.
7. Soak the lily bulbs over night in cold water before planting them if they
look a little soft.
8. Lilies can be planted from late autumn to early spring.
A recent questionnaire among Garden Centre visitors
revealed that lilies are now the most popular plant. This is certainly
borne out by our experience as they are one of our most popular lines.
Lilies are available in the Spring Catalogue where
you can see pictures of them or see our Online
Store for current availability.
Crimson
Pixie - dwarf lily for pots
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Regale - scented trumpet lily
The tall Trumpet lilies are easy to grow in any
soil and very fragrant. They are excellent in borders or large tubs.
See Regale, African Queen, Pink
Perfection
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| Many lilies are excellent for pots, either
for the patio or they can be plunged in the border. This is especially
useful for those that have special soil requirements.
Many lilies are very fragrant.
see also Casablanca, Star Gazer,
Apollo
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Lilium leichtlinii |
Some lilies prefer to be grown among trees & shrubs.
This is especially true of those with turk's cap flowers.
See also martagon, lancifolium (Tiger
lily), pardalinum
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Liliy Gardens to visit
To see
lilies in a wonderful Northampton woodland setting visit Evenley Wood
Garden. See www.evenleywoodgarden.co.uk
for opening times.
The RHS
gardens at Wisley , Surrey
have a good range of lilies.
Other Articles:
January - snowdrops
February - an
insight into Lilies
March - blue bulbs
April -using small daffodils in the
garden
June -
Naturalising bulbs
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