Not sure if I’d be considered a newbie to lilies or not, I have several, about 50 or so that come up every year. After reading some of the threads here I realize I don’t know much. I think I just got lucky some years. Anyway I started with some I bought in a pot at a local gh and loved them. I wanted to increase the next year and got a few bulbs at the local discount store. No problems they came up and were pretty. I still wanted more and not knowing I ordered on-line from a not so reputable vendor and got about 20 out of 25 hardy ones to grow under the trees. I ordered again Asiatic this time and got nothing; this goes on for about 75 bulbs. This year learning more about on-line vendors I ordered from a better source and while keeping a close watch I found the squirrels and or woodchucks were digging them up as fast as I put them in the ground. But low and behold when I was planting I found lilies everywhere, some still had the markers from 2 years ago. Is this normal for inexpensive bulbs or for lilies in general? Out of the ones from this year that I know are still in the ground only 10 or so have surfaced. Those are the ones I planted it April. I kept planting though out May but none of those have broken ground. They of course were the more expensive Orientpets (something I’ve never planted). We did have a heat wave just after I planted. Would 90+ temps hurt new bulbs? Also because of the rodent problem out of every batch I put a few in pots or containers near the house, some came up and some didn’t, is this normal? I’ve never put them in pots and I’m not sure if there are different requirement with that. I’m new to DG and I’m not sure of all the rules or proper etiquette so I apologize in advance for rambling on.
Some Lily questions from a newbie to DG.
Thank you for this thread. I'm having trouble, too. I planted 2 Orientals and 6 Asiatics and only 2 (Asiatics) of the 8 have come up. I planted them early May in Zone 4, 8" deep. Is this right? Thanks to all who answer this thread.
This message was edited Jun 15, 2008 4:49 PM
I plant them 6" deep but that could be the zone difference. As you read above, I haven't had the best of luck with them. Hopefully someone that really knows will give us some advice. Thank you for responding, I'd be happy to help you with questions if I can, but like I said I'm not that experienced.
You need do do something about critter control first. If something is eating them off as fast as they emerge you need to do something to discourage them, even if it means growing them closer to your house. I don't have a critter problem so I can't make any suggestions, but others here have had to deal with it; deer, squirrels etc.
Lily bulbs can survive underground for a couple of years but if they never get a chance to grow a stem they will get smaller and smaller and eventually disappear completely.
Do they have excellent drainage? Do they get too wet in the winter/spring or are in standing water for periods of time (causes bulb rot). Do they get at least half a day of sun? Most are not shade plants (martagon lilies are) and you say you planted them under a tree.
What is the pH of your soil? Most commonly purchased lilies prefer a neutral to slightly acid pH. Oriental liies in particular need a slightly acid soil.
Planting lilies as late as May can cause problems. The lily bulb is trying to grow roots and stem at the same time. It is best to purchase and plant in the fall or early spring when the soil is cooler so the roots can get growing first.
The North American Lily Society has lots of information on growing lilies.
http://www.lilies.org/culture.html
Thanks for responding. I do have acidic soil, and most are planted either in raised beds or on slopes. I’m not sure of the kind I have under the white pines but the ones that did grow are nice and straight, very sturdy and are 3 to 4 ft tall. They are just solid colors and according to the package for wooded areas. All of the others are in full to partial sun. Maybe I’m just planting too late. When I think about it the ones I put in early or at the end of the season have gown the best. As for the critters, well what can I say I live in the woods. I’d be interested hearing ideas on what can be done to help control them without hurting them. Thanks for the info and the web site.
Donna