Lily plant care varies depending on the species within the genus.
However, most types require a sunny, well-drained spot and cool bulb roots.
They do best in a spot receiving 6 to 8 hours of sunlight.
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However, you dont want bulb roots to get too hot.
Shade the bulbs by planting them deeply (around 6 to 9 inches into the soil).
This also helps stabilize these tall-stemmed species.
When summer temperatures soar, consider adding alayer of mulchto keep the soil cool.
However, dont mulch up the plants stemthis can lead tostem rot.
If drainage is an issue, considerbuilding raised beds.
Most species do well in slightly acidic to neutral pH levels.
Lilies prefer fertile conditions.Amending your soilwithorganic matter, such ascompostor well-aged manure, can offer a beneficial boost.
Water
Even moisture promotes strong lily stems and long-lasting blooms.
Using adrip irrigation systemor slowly manually watering the roots is ideal.
Overhead, heavy watering encourages the development of fungal diseases.
Lilies dont appreciate overly high humidity levels or extreme fluctuations.
Fertilizer
Your lilies will appreciate regular applications of a balanced, slow-release 10-10-10NPK fertilizerduring the growing season.
Dont fertilize newly planted bulbs.
Lilies dont like strong formulas coming directly into contact with newly developing roots.
Below are some of the common classifications.
Native Lilies
There are over 100 wild lily species.
These days, youll often see LA-hybrids, compact Asiatic and Longiflorum mixes.
Oriental Lilies
Hybrid Oriental lilies, like thestargazer lily, bloom mid-to-late summer.
There are also Orienpet hybrids, crosses between trumpet and Oriental lilies.
Dont cut them back before then, as they continue to nourish the bulb to promote next seasons growth.
Select a pot that is around 2 inches wider in diameter than the original one.
you’re free to gradually remove the mulch layer after the last spring frosts.
How Long Do Lilies Bloom?
How long the blooms last depends on the lily species and the plants health.
Individual flowers can last anywhere from a few days to over a fortnight.
There are usually several flowers per stem, so one plant can be in flower for a while.
What Do Lily Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Lilies vary in smell, size, and appearance depending on the species.
Some lilies, like the Oriental varieties, have a very heady scent.
If you find this overpowering, consider introducing scent-free Asiatic lilies instead.
To prevent diseases, avoid overwatering and overhead watering and immediately remove infected plants and bulbs.
Leaves Turning Yellow
Overwatering is a common cause ofyellowing leaveson lily plants.
Underwatering or getting light levels wrong are also offenders.
Fusarium wilt disease causes yellowing of the leaves before the plant turns brown and dies.
If there are lots of aphids around, your plant could be suffering from the lily mosaic virus.
Lilies areperennial plantsthat return every year, producing more beautiful blooms when the conditions are right.
Some Lilium species can be enjoyed for a decade or more.
The key is picking the right location and conditions.
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