Lily Flower: How to Plant and Care it the Right Way

The lily flower (genus Lilium) is popular for its vibrant colors and captivating fragrance. But how do you ensure that your lilies flower reach their full potential? In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the essential steps of planting and caring for lily flowers, providing you with expert tips and tricks for a blooming success. From selecting the right lily varieties to preparing a suitable planting area, we’ve got you covered. Discover the secrets to proper watering, fertilizing, and pruning techniques that will help your lilies thrive throughout the seasons.

Before we start our lily care guide, here 35 Types of Lilies Flowers.

35 Types of Lilies Flowers

Asiatic Lilies

Oriental Lilies

Trumpet Lilies

Orienpet Lilies

Turk’s Cap Lilies

LA Hybrid Lilies

Canada Lilies

Longiflorum Lilies

Netty’s Pride

Rosella’s Dream

Starlette

Enchantment Lily (Lilium ‘Enchantment’)

Lilium ‘Connecticut King’

Lilium Roma

Orange Pixie Lily

Denia Pixie Lily

L. X Dalhansonii ‘Marhan’

Nankeen

Lilium Bellingham

Lily ‘Cherrywood

White Heaven

Lilium Longiflorum ‘White American’

Regale

Lilium ‘African Queen’ (Trumpet Lily)

Lilium ‘Golden Splendor’

Casablanca (Lilium ‘Casa Blanca’)

Dwarf Muscadet

Stargazer

Tiger Moon

Oriental Lily Acapulco

Big Brother

Corleone

Lilium ‘Forza Red’

Gloriosa superba

Flore Pleno

Splendens

Choosing the right location for planting lilies

A lily flower thrive in locations that receive ample sunlight. Ideally, lilies should be planted in areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. This will ensure that the lilies have enough energy to produce vibrant blooms. When choosing a location, also consider the soil drainage. Lilies prefer well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Avoid planting lilies in low-lying areas that tend to collect water.

Next, consider the wind exposure. While lilies can tolerate some wind, excessive wind can cause damage to their delicate blooms. If your garden is prone to strong winds, consider planting lilies near a windbreak, such as a wall or a row of taller plants, to provide some protection.

When it comes to soil pH, lilies prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil. Conduct a soil test to determine the pH of your soil and make any necessary adjustments. If your soil is too acidic, add lime to raise the pH, or if it’s too alkaline, add sulfur to lower the pH. This will help create optimal growing conditions for your lilies.

Soil preparation for a lily flower

Preparing the soil before planting your lilies is crucial for their long-term success. Start by removing any weeds or grass from the planting area. These can compete with the lilies for nutrients and water. Use a garden fork or a tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches. This will improve the soil’s drainage and aeration.

Next, amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. This will improve the soil’s fertility and moisture retention capabilities. Spread a layer of organic matter over the planting area and incorporate it into the soil using a garden fork or a tiller. Aim for a ratio of one part organic matter to three parts soil.

Before planting, it’s also a good idea to incorporate a slow-release granular fertilizer into the soil. This will provide the lilies with a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates and timings.

Planting lily flower bulbs

Now that you have selected the perfect location and prepared the soil, it’s time to plant your lily bulbs. Start by digging a hole that is two to three times the depth of the bulb. The depth will vary depending on the size of the bulb, so refer to the specific planting instructions for your lily variety.

Place the bulb in the hole with the pointed end facing up. If you’re unsure which end is the pointed end, look for any visible roots. The roots should be facing downward. Gently backfill the hole with soil, ensuring that the bulb is covered completely.

Space the lily bulbs approximately 8 to 12 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth. If you’re planting multiple bulbs, you can create a stunning display by planting them in groups or clusters.

Once the bulbs are planted, water the area thoroughly. This will help settle the soil and provide the lilies with the moisture they need to establish their roots.

Watering and fertilizing your lily flower

Proper watering is essential for the health and vitality of lily flowers. Lilies require consistent moisture, especially during their active growth periods. However, they don’t tolerate waterlogged conditions, so it’s important to find the right balance.

Water your lilies deeply once a week, providing approximately 1 inch of water. This will ensure that the water reaches the root zone. If you’re experiencing a particularly dry spell, you may need to water more frequently. Monitor the soil moisture levels and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

In addition to regular watering, fertilizing your lilies will help them thrive. Apply a balanced slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring, just as the new shoots emerge. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates. Avoid applying fertilizer directly to the lily foliage or stems, as this can cause burn.

Mulching and weed control for lilies

Mulching around your lilies serves multiple purposes. It helps conserve soil moisture, suppresses weed growth, and regulates soil temperature. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or straw, around the base of the lilies, taking care not to cover the stems or foliage.

Mulching also adds an aesthetic appeal to your garden, giving it a polished and finished look. Opt for a mulch color that complements the lily blooms, enhancing their beauty.

Regularly check for weeds in your lily garden and promptly remove them. Weeds can compete with lilies for nutrients and water, stunting their growth. Use a hand weeder or garden hoe to carefully remove weeds, taking care not to disturb the lily bulbs or roots.

Supporting and staking lily plants

Some lily varieties can grow quite tall and may require support to prevent them from toppling over. Install stakes or cages around the lilies early in the growing season, before they reach their full height. This will provide support and prevent the stems from bending or breaking under the weight of the blooms.

Secure the lily stems to the stakes using soft plant ties or garden twine. Be careful not to tie them too tightly, as this can restrict growth and cause damage. Check the ties regularly throughout the season and adjust them as needed to accommodate the lily’s growth.

Dealing with pests and diseases that affect a lily flower

Like any other plants, lilies can be susceptible to pests and diseases. The most common pests that affect lilies include aphids, lily beetles, and slugs. Monitor your lilies regularly for signs of pest infestations and take prompt action to control them.

For aphids, you can use a strong stream of water to dislodge them from the plant or apply insecticidal soap. If lily beetles are present, handpick them off the plant and dispose of them. Slugs can be controlled by using slug traps or applying organic slug pellets around the lilies.

Diseases such as botrytis blight and lily mosaic virus can also affect lilies. To prevent these diseases, ensure that your lilies are planted in well-draining soil and that there is adequate air circulation around the plants. Remove any infected plant material promptly to prevent the spread of disease.

Pruning and deadheading lily flowers

Pruning and deadheading are essential tasks to maintain the health and appearance of your lilies. After your lilies have finished blooming, remove the spent flowers by cutting them back to the stem. This process, known as deadheading, prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production and redirects the energy towards bulb development.

Once the lily foliage has turned yellow and started to die back, it’s time to prune. Using sharp, clean pruners, cut the foliage back to within a few inches of the ground. This will help prevent the spread of diseases and prepare the lilies for their dormant period.

Overwintering lily bulbs

In colder climates, lily bulbs need protection during the winter months. After pruning the foliage, apply a layer of mulch around the base of the lilies to insulate the soil and protect the bulbs from freezing temperatures.

Alternatively, you can dig up the lily bulbs and store them indoors for the winter. Carefully lift the bulbs from the ground, taking care not to damage them. Clean off any excess soil and allow them to dry for a few days. Store the bulbs in a cool, dry place, such as a basement or garage, in a paper bag or mesh container. Check on the bulbs periodically to ensure they are not rotting or drying out.

In early spring, before the last frost, you can replant the lily bulbs in the garden, following the same planting instructions as before.

Growing lilies: Final thoughts

Congratulations! You are now equipped with the knowledge and skills to successfully plant and care for lily flowers. By selecting the right location, preparing the soil, and following proper watering and fertilizing techniques, you can create a stunning lily garden that will be the envy of all. Remember to provide support for taller lily varieties, keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and regularly prune and deadhead your lilies for optimal health.

Before you go, try to read our guide about the health benefits of Saffron (Crocus Sativus), you will be amazed.