The term lily is used as the common name for many different plants. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum), Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria), daylily (Hemerocallis), trout lily (Erythronium), gloriosa lily (Gloriosa), calla lily (Zantedeschia), Magic lily (Lycoris), Peruvian lily (Alstroemeria), and water lily (Nymphaea) resemble lilies, but they are not true lilies.
True lilies belong to the Lilium genus of perennial bulbs known for their showy summer flowers. Lilies are cultivated worldwide for their ornamental, edible, and medicinal benefits.
There are approximately 100 species of lilies found around the globe. From these species, thousands of cultivars have been created through hybridization.
Planting | Growing Conditions | Care | Propagation | Lily Divisions & Types | As Cut Flowers | Toxicity Concerns | Potential Problems | History | More Information
Planting
Early fall is an excellent time to plant garden lilies. Lily bulbs are comprised of fleshy leaf-like segments attached at the base, giving them a scaly appearance. This is in contrast to other bulbs like tulip, daffodil, or allium, which are smooth in shape and covered with a papery layer called a tunic. Plant lily bulbs at a depth equal to three times their diameter, typically about 6-8 inches deep. It’s beneficial to mulch fall-planted lily bulbs with several inches of straw or pine needles after planting for the first winter in the garden. This is especially true for bulbs planted late in the season. A mulch delays soil freezing, allowing the bulb’s roots to grow over a longer period.
Bulbs can also be planted in early spring. When placing and covering the bulb with soil, be careful not to break off the young, tender growing point.
Container-grown lilies can be planted in spring and summer. Plant container-grown lilies at the same depth as in the pot.
Plant bulbs in clusters of 3 to 5 (or more) spaced several inches apart. Clustering the bulbs provides more visual impact and is more attractive in the garden than bulbs planted individually.
Growing Conditions
Lilies prefer well-drained, slightly acidic (pH 6.0-7.0) soils high in organic matter. Good soil drainage is imperative as lily bulbs may rot in poorly drained, wet soils. Raised beds are a good planting option in poorly drained locations.
Nearly all lilies grow best in full sun (Sites in full sun receive at least six hours of direct sun each day.) However, Martagon lilies (also called Turk's cap lilies) prefer partial shade (two to four hours of sun)
Care
Watering
Keep lily roots cool and consistently moist, but avoid saturated soil. Provide about one inch of water per week, increasing frequency during periods of active growth as needed.
Mulching
Apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants. Mulching is recommended as it keeps the soil cool, conserves moisture, and prevents weed competition.
Fertilizing
Fertilize lilies with an all-purpose fertilizer or one with high phosphorus levels (the second number in the fertilizer analysis) in spring as the foliage emerges. One application of a slow-release fertilizer is typically sufficient. Water-soluble fertilizers can also be applied regularly through the growing season (every 2 to 3 weeks). Stop fertilizing about six weeks after blooming ends to allow plants to transition toward dormancy. Learn more in this article: Fertilizing in the Home Garden.
Deadheading
Remove spent blooms promptly. This prevents seed production and redirects energy back into bulb development. When clipping off faded blooms leave behind as much of the stem and leaves as possible. Green stems and leaves will continue to feed the bulb until fall. Learn more in this article: Deadheading Herbaceous Ornamentals and Roses
Staking
Support taller varieties that may become top-heavy. Use sturdy stakes and secure stems with loose ties to prevent damage from wind or rain. Learn more in this article: Staking Perennials.
Propagation
Lilies can be propagated using several methods, each suited to different goals and timelines. Division is the simplest approach, while techniques such as separating bulblets, scaling, collecting bulbils, and starting from seed offer additional ways to increase the number of plants. Learn more about the many different ways garden lilies can be propagated.
How to Propagate Garden Lilies
Lily Divisions
Lilies are classified into nine horticultural divisions based on parentage and flower characteristics. These divisions help organize the thousands of different cultivars that you may grow in your garden. Learn more about Asiatic, Oriental, Martagon, trumpet, and other lily types to find the right type and cultivar of lily for your garden.
Types and Divisions of Garden Lilies
Using as Cut Flowers
In addition to being outstanding garden performers, lilies make excellent cut flowers with a long vase life. When cutting flowers to enjoy indoors, be sure to leave at least half to two-thirds of the stem and foliage to supply food to the bulb. This helps ensure abundant blooms next year.
Before bringing cut lilies indoors, remove the golden to rust-colored pollen structures or anthers. Lilies produce large quantities of pollen, which can stain petals, clothing, and other materials.
Edible or Toxic?
The lily bulbs of several Asian species are considered edible root vegetables and are used in soups, stews, stir-fries, and as a type of starch. However, only selected species are used for culinary purposes, as several species are considered too bitter for consumption. North American indigenous peoples ate only a few American species (Lilium columbianum and Lilium pardalinum). They cooked them in earth ovens or used them for flavoring meat or fish in soups. Several lily species are used for medicinal purposes and cosmetics, especially in Asian cultures.
While some species are edible for humans, almost all lilies are considered toxic to cats, especially the Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum). Other species closely related to lilies (daylily, amaryllis, etc.) are potentially toxic to cats.
Potential Problems
Overall, lilies have few pest and disease issues when grown in the garden. Aphids are occasional pests on flower buds and can be removed with a forceful stream of water. Botrytis occasionally develops in overly wet or humid conditions. Reducing overhead watering and increasing light levels and air circulation will reduce issues.
Deer & Rabbits
Deer and rabbits can be problematic because they often eat young, emerging foliage or bite off the top of stems, removing flower buds. Plants that have had their flower buds eaten will not bloom that year. Keep foliage intact to support the bulb's growth and development, so plants can come back next year and flower. More information on protecting lilies from deer and rabbits can be found in these articles: How to Protect Gardens from Deer and How to Protect Gardens from Rabbits.
Slugs
Slugs can be a problem, especially during cool, moist conditions. They feed on young shoots, leaves, and developing buds, often leaving irregular holes and ragged edges that can reduce plant vigor and appearance. Damage is typically most severe early in the season when tender growth is emerging. Regular monitoring is important, and management can include hand removal, reducing excess moisture and hiding places, and using barriers or labeled bait products to protect plants.
Learn more in this article: Slugs.
Lily Leaf Beetle
Lily leaf beetles are relatively new pests in Iowa. They are present in the garden from May until September and feed on true lilies. Adults chew holes in the leaves and feed on the stems, flower buds, and flowers. The defoliation caused by the lily leaf beetle can severely damage plants. Hand removal of the beetles, larvae, and eggs as they are noticed throughout the growing season can keep infestations to a manageable level. Several conventional and organic insecticides are labeled to control the lily leaf beetle. Apply the insecticide at the time and rate outlined on the label.
Learn more in this article: Lily Leaf Beetle.
History
Lilies have been cultivated for centuries. Depending on color, they have been used as symbols of love, affection, happiness, innocence, mourning, and renewal. The Madonna lily (Lilium candidum) bulb was cultivated for use in medicinal ointments and food. Since Medieval times, the Madonna lily has represented the Virgin Mary's purity. White lilies have also symbolized innocence and tranquility in many cultures. The Easter lily, commonly grown for Easter in the US, symbolizes rebirth and hope. In Taiwan, the indigenous Rukai people thought lilies symbolized bravery and perseverance.
Today, lilies are popular in cut flower displays, bridal bouquets, and funeral sprays. Their elegance, striking color, and often strong fragrance make them excellent choices for any floral arrangement that celebrates any occasion.
More Information
- Growing Garden Lilies (PDF)
- Selection and Care of the Easter Lily
- Types and Divisions of Garden Lilies
- Lily Leaf Beetle
- Flowers and Their Meanings: The Language of Flowers
References
- Potential Application of Lilium Plants in Cosmetics
- Fitzgerald, Kevin T. (2010). "Lily Toxicity in the Cat". Topics in Companion Animal Medicine. 25 (4): 213–217.
- Wipikedia on Lilium.
- Lilies: A guide for Growers and Collectors. 1998. E.A. McRae. Timber Press, Oregon.
- Lilies: Beautiful Varieties for Home and Garden. 2021.Naomi Slade. Gibbs Smith
Photo credits: 1: Cindy Haynes; 2: lizaveta25 AdobeStock; 3: Aaron Steil; 4: bildlove AdobeStock; 5: Cindy Haynes; 6: Maya Kruchancova AdobeStock; 7: Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org; 8: Aaron Steil