Martagon Lilies are the earliest blooming of the lilies-late May through the month of June. They tolerate both sun and shade. They may not bloom the first year planted…martagons are slower to establish but will bring you spectacular blooms that are worth the second year wait. Zone 3+
Asiatic Lilies begin blooming the end of June through July. They have upward or outward facing flowers. Heights range from 1 to 4 feet and the sturdy stems rarely need staking. Asiatic lilies are ideal for flowerbeds and containers. Zone 3+
LA Lilies are a cross between a longiflorun (Easter lily) and an asiatic lily. They have very large, open-faced blossoms with a light fragrance. The flowers are outward or slightly upward facing and come in bright, pure colors. They are exceptionally long lasting in the garden and in bouquets. Heights range from 3′ to 5′ feet. Blooms June/July.
Orienpet Lilies, also called OT’s, are a cross of fragrant Oriental Lilies and Trumpet Lilies. They bloom from mid-July to late August. Blooms open flower shape of an Oriental lily with the thick petals and slightly upward facing flower habit of a trumpet lily. OT Hybrids typically produce eight to twelve flowers per stem and they are in bloom for 2 to 3 weeks from mid-July to late August. Zone 3+
Oriental Lilies are the grand finale as they bring the lily season to a close! Their flowers measure 6 to 8”. Oriental lilies will fill an entire garden with their intoxicating perfume. The plants grow 3 to 4 feet tall. Typically, shorter lifespan in Zone 3 (I have friends that have had no difficulty!)-I would still give them a try-mulch or grow in pots and store in shed/garage. Blooms late July/August.
Trumpet Lilies are magnificent lilies prefer full sun and bloom from late July through mid-August summer. They can reach heights of 60″! Although they can temperamental to frost, we and others in Zone 3 have been success with growing them. Mulch in fall seems to help.
Species Lilies are found blooming in the wild at various times throughout the season depending on the variety.
Lilies may be planted as soon as the ground can be worked. If unable to plant right away, store in refrigerator or similarly cool area. Avoid storing with apples. Apples are known to emit a gas that destroys the lily bulb. Do not plant in an area where water tends to sit…this will cause bulb rot. They prefer well-draining soil. Work the soil approximately 8 inches deep adding a little extra manure or compost. Space them approximately 6” apart. We have planted them closer. An old saying is lilies, “prefer their heads in the sun and their feet in the shade.” Add mulch or low growing plants to provide this shade. Lilies like to be fertilized in the spring, prior to blooming and again in the fall after they are done blooming. Water thoroughly after fertilizing. We use a basic 10-10-10 fertilizer. When cutting lilies for arrangements it is advised to take no more than one third of the stem. This allows the stem to continue to provide nutrients to the bulb, producing a stronger plant the next year. By removing the anthers of the bloom this will allow the bloom to last longer and avoid staining clothing, table clothes, etc. If not using lilies for arrangements, cut spent blooms off at the top of the stem, leaving the stem to feed the bulb. Stem may be cut back in the fall when it turns brown. Enjoy! Karl and Dee
