New to lilies -- I love them!
About 2 weeks ago, I put in a fragrant, asiatic lily next to my front door where it will get part sun in the summertime but almost none in the winter. I was more focused on the fragrance instead of the ideal light conditions! Should I move it to a sunnier location? Since it is still new in the ground, can I get away with moving it now?
enough sun for asiatic lily?
Mt first question, are you sure this is an asiatic? Normally, asiatics are not fragrant. Do you know the name of this lily? Inquiring minds would like to know.
Generally, lilies need about six hours of sunshine to build up energy in the bulb for the next bloom cycle. They can survive and bloom in shadier locations, but may get taller trying to reach for the sun. If they get really tall, then you probaby have too much shade and the bulb will eventually decline in that location. Winter sun makes no difference to the bulb. It's sunshine on the leaves that matters.
In your zone, you need to consider how hot it gets in the afternoon. Generally, in the warmer zones it is recommended that you provide afternoon shade.
Your lily is actively growing and has probably already put out a stem. You can move it if you are very careful not to disturb the roots too much and/or break the growing stem off. A better bet is to leave it where it is, assess how well it does in that location this year and if you think you need to move it, wait until after the first hard frost to do so. Make sure you cut no more than 1/3 of the stem back after the blooms have faded.
They are Ms. Lucy lilies... I'm new to lily gardening, so it's very possible I'm mistaken about the fragrance and type. The name, however, I remember from the packaging.
I will leave it be for the season and reconsider in the fall. I'm pretty sure my location falls shy of 6 hrs. sunlight because the house blocks the sun. Thanks for the clear tips!
Miss Lucy is an oriental.
Thanks for the correction. There's a lot to learn...