Calhoun County, AL – Lilies are a beautiful and versatile addition to almost any landscape. Lily bulbs can be planted in pots, raised beds, hanging baskets, or directly in the ground, making them a favorite choice for gardeners looking to add color and elegance throughout the warmer months. In my garden, lilies provide blooms from June through September and help bridge the gap between the fading blooms of early spring irises and the bold summer colors of canna lilies.
Many gardeners choose to dig up and divide their lily bulbs every five to seven years to transplant them into new areas of the landscape. If planted in late fall before the ground freezes, lily bulbs may bloom the following spring. Bulbs planted in the spring may not flower until the next growing season, although some varieties quickly begin producing shoots as soon as they come into contact with soil.
One of the best qualities of lilies is their adaptability. Lily bulbs can grow in several different soil types, but they do not tolerate wet or soggy conditions. They thrive best in moist, well-drained soil. When planting lilies, I always add gravel to the bottom of the planting hole before placing the bulb and covering it with soil. Gardeners should also refer to the package instructions for the proper planting depth of each variety.
For the best blooms, lilies should be planted in full sun. I’ve noticed that the lilies planted along semi-shaded edges tend to produce more stems and foliage than actual bloom stalks. Even without flowers, however, some gardeners enjoy using lily foliage as a vertical green accent in potted arrangements.
Extremely showy and exotic-looking, lilies bring drama and elegance to the garden with their vivid colors, delicate shapes, and heavenly fragrance. Depending on the variety, lilies can bloom from early summer into late summer and even fall, creating season-long beauty in the landscape.
Enjoy your lilies!
Betty Clark is a contributing writer. She has been an organic gardener since 1998. The signature flower she grows is Dahlias. She has a straw bale garden, a raised bed garden, and an in-ground garden. Both her surnames are from agricultural farming families (8 generations). Her hobbies include ancestry research, antiques, continued education classes, and workshops. She also has a background in marketing & promotions, including expos. To contact Betty Clark with gardening questions: bettyclark2151959@gmail.com
