Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
5/24/99
Contacts: Cindy Haynes, Horticulture Extension, (515)
294-4006, chaynes@iastate.edu
Elaine Edwards, Extension Communication Systems, (515)
294-5168,eedwards@iastate.edu
Yard and Garden Column for the Week Beginning May 28
Lilies in the Landscape
By Cindy Haynes
Extension horticulturist
Iowa State University Extension
Lily is a common name used for several different plant species. Daylily, calla lily, toad lily, surprise lily, etc. 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, plus they offer gardeners a wide variety of heights, flower forms and colors. Their presence in the garden is so striking they are often called the "Queen or Grand Dame" of the summer garden. The regal blossoms of a lily mixture begin their dynamic show shortly after the tulips and daffodils fade and continue through the late summer. There are several groups of lilies available that can light up your landscape.
The Asiatic lilies are probably the most popular landscape or garden lily. Their upward or outward facing flowers are available in a wide range of colors and are frequently "freckled" with dark spots. Flowers of bright and pastel shades of almost every color except blue are available. Asiatic lilies are among the first lilies to bloom in the garden, many beginning in late May or early June. These hybrid lilies are often considered the most durable of the lilies and multiply quickly. Asiatic lilies also are available in a wide range of heights (2 to 5 feet) making them great for the back, middle or front of the border. Their only limitation is their lack of fragrance compared to some other lily types.
For fragrance and sheer size of blooms, the Oriental lilies win hands down. Their flamboyant and sweetly scented blooms begin in mid to late summer as the Asiatic hybrids are finishing. They are available in a range of splashy shades of white, pink and crimson. The open, reflexed petals can be spotted, brushed or edged with darker or contrasting colors. Oriental hybrids often are taller than the Asiatic types, reaching 3 to 6 feet. They perform best when protected from the hot afternoon sun and strong winds.
Trumpet lilies bloom about the same time as Oriental lilies. Trumpet lilies, however, have spotless, fused petals. Their flowers resemble a trumpet, hence the common name of trumpet lily. Their highly fragrant outward facing flowers were once available primarily in white and yellow, but recent hybridization with the Oriental and Asiatic groups may greatly expand the palette of colors. Trumpet lilies reach 4 to 8 feet tall and prefer protection from strong winds.
Another group of lilies not to be overlooked is the species type lilies. Turk's cap lily or Lilium martagon is one of the best for Iowa gardens. 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 considerable shade and still perform beautifully. Height ranges 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 (6.5 pH). Bulbs are normally planted in fall at a depth of three times the height of the bulb. However, container-grown bulbs also 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. When planting lilies, plant bulbs in large groups to create swaths of color in the garden. Also, plant several different types for an extended bloom period.
Lilies will not tolerate a wet, soggy soil. 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. Mulching is recommended for lilies since it keeps the soil cool, conserves moisture and prevents weed seed germination.
In addition to being outstanding garden performers, lilies make excellent cut flowers with a long vase-life. When removing flowers to bring inside, be sure that at least half to two-thirds of the stem and foliage remains to supply the bulb for next year's blooms. The pollen structures or anthers should be removed before bringing inside since lily pollen stains clothing and other materials. Look for future new varieties that will be pollen free.
There are several hundred cultivars available for the Asiatic and Oriental types. The trumpet and species types may be more difficult to find but are well worth the effort. Below is a listing of a few of the cultivars found at many local garden centers. Add a little royalty to your garden this summer with the addition of a few of these beauties.
|
Cultivar |
Lily Type |
Flower Color |
Height |
|
Connecticut King |
Asian |
Yellow |
2 to 3 feet |
|
Enchantment |
Asian |
Orange |
3 to 4 feet |
|
Gran Paradiso |
Asian |
Red |
3 to 4 feet |
|
Monte Negro |
Asian |
Burgundy |
3 to 4 feet |
|
Montreux |
Asian |
Pink |
3 to 4 feet |
|
Pixie Series |
Asian |
Variety |
Dwarfs (1 to 2 feet) |
|
Sunray |
Asian |
Yellow |
2 to 3 feet |
|
Casa Blanca |
Oriental |
White |
4 to 5 feet |
|
Journey's End |
Oriental |
Dark pink/white edge |
4 to 6 feet |
|
Le Reve |
Oriental |
Pastel Pink |
3 to 4 feet |
|
Mona Lisa |
Oriental |
Pink |
2 to 3 feet |
|
Star Gazer |
Oriental |
Dark pink/white edge |
4 to 5 feet |
|
African Queen |
Trumpet |
Apricot |
4 to 6 feet |
|
Golden Splendor |
Trumpet |
Yellow |
3 to 4 feet |
|
Olympic White |
Trumpet |
White |
6 to 8 feet |
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