July 25, 2001
Stillwater Gazette
Betsy Halden

Garden lilies

If you visited the gardens on the Family Means St. Croix Garden Tour this month you most likely noticed many lilies in the tour gardens. Lilies are good performers in many Valley gardens. They come in a variety of attractive colors, flower forms and heights. They are relatively easy to grow, and many can survive our Zone 3b or 4a winters.

Lily is a common name used for several different plant species. But, daylily, calla lily, toad lily, surprise lily are not ‘true lilies. True lilies are members of the genus Lilium. They originate from underground bulbs and produce large, showy blossoms in the summer. true lilies are excellent plants for almost any garden situation. They are versatile and durable. They offer gardeners a wide variety of heights, flower forms and colors. Their presence in the garden is so striking they have been called the “Queen” or “Grand Dame” of the summer garden.

There are several types of lilies that are good performers. By planting samples from each of the different types, you can have lilies in bloom for most of the summer.

The Asiatic lilies are probably the most popular landscape or garden lily. Their upward or outward facing flowers are available in the widest range of colors. They are frequently freckled with dark spots. The flowers are available in bright and pastel shades of almost of every color except blue.

Asiatic lilies are among the first lilies to bloom in June, and the blooms may last 4 to 5 weeks. These hybrid lilies are often considered the most durable of the lilies, and they multiply quickly. They are available in a wide range of heights (2 to 5 feet) making them great for the back, middle, or front of a border. Some gardeners believe the only thing they are missing is fragrance.

For fragrance and size of blooms the Oriental lilies win. Their flamboyant and sweetly scented blooms begin in mid to late summer, as the Asiatic hybrids are finishing. Oriental lilies are available in a range of splashy shades of white, pink, and crimson. The open, reflexed (curved back) petals can be spotted, brushed, or edged with darker or contrasting colors. Oriental hybrids grow to height of 3 to 6 feet, making them often taller than the Asiatic types. Neither type needs to be staked. Oriental lilies perform best when they are protected from the hot, afternoon sun and strong winds. Oriental lilies may be hard to grow in Minnesota. they need a good six weeks in the fall to replenish the bulb after the plant has bloomed.

Trumpet lilies bloom about the same time as the Oriental lilies. Trumpet lilies, however, have spotless, fused petals. Their flowers resemble a trumpet, thus the common name. Their highly fragrant, outward facing flowers were once available primarily in white and yellow, but hybridization has expanded the palette. The colors now available include white, cream, yellow, purple, pink. Trumpet lilies grow 4 to 7 1/2 feet tall. They perform best when they are protected from strong winds. George Weiss grows hybrid Asiatic and trumpet lilies in Lake Elmo. Mr. Weiss pointed out that trumpet lilies frequently have exotic and unusual shadings on the reverse side of their blooms. The shadings include patterns, stripes in colors such as maroon and green. Mr. Weiss commented, “Most people look at gardens and see the plantings as a group. They are unaware of the beauty of the individual blooms.”

Another group of lilies is the species type lilies. Turk’s cap lily or Lilium martagon. This lily has smaller individual flowers compared to the other groups. The small, waxy flowers are burgundy, yellow-orange, yellow, and white. many are spotted or freckled. The petals of the downward facing flowers are strongly reflexed , creating a turban-like appearance. Hence the name Turk’s cap lily. This lily is native to woodlands and is one of the few lilies that will tolerate shade and still perform beautifully. The plant ranges in height from 4 to 7 feet and is best in the middle or back of the border.

Lilies prefer an organic, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic (6.5pH). Bulbs are normally planted in fall at a depth of 3 times the height of the bulb. Container-grown bulbs can be planted in spring and summer. Plant containerized bulbs at the same depth in the garden that they were planted in the container. In heavy, clay type soils plant them slightly higher. Lilies will not tolerate wet, soggy soil. They need good drainage. Full sun to light shade is best for most of the lilies with the exception of the Turk’s cap lily, which prefers partial shade. Lilies should be well mulched. In addition to keeping the soil cool, conserving moisture, deterring weeds, mulch helps to protect tender shoots from late spring frosts.

In addition to being outstanding garden performers, lilies make excellent cut flowers with a long vase life. When removing lowers to bring inside be sure that at least half to two thirds of the stem and foliage remain to supply the bulb for next year’s blooms. Remove the pollen structures or anthers before bringing the flowers inside. Lily pollen will stain clothing, table linens, and other materials.

There are several hundred cultivars available for the Asiatic and Oriental type lilies. Trumpet and species types may be more difficult to find but are worth the effort. Check our local nurseries and garden centers for a suitable selection. The North Star Lily Society of Minnesota is a good source of information for people who grow lilies. You may be able to find unusual bulbs and species at their fall plant sale. For more information contact the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Anderson Horticultural Library at 952.443.2440.

If you would like additional information about growing lilies in our area, visit www.extension.umn.edu and enter “garden lilies’ in the search box. You will find a number of references.

Betsy Halden is a Master Gardener with the University of Minnesota Extension Service. University of Minnesota Extension Service materials were consulted in the preparation of this column. You can reach Betsy Halden at eahalden@comcast.net