Hi,
I read in a handful of places about how difficult growing oriental lilies was in the midwest. The few I had the past 3 years seemed to survive, so I bought some more at BuggyCrazy. Well all I can say is what a disaster as far as lilies goes. I have 6-8+ cultivars that have died or are on the way out, most were planted last fall.
I was wondering what type of soil you grow your orientals in, and how long you have had them? Do any of you test your ph at specific plant locations?
Thanks much,
Andy
Oreintal lilies, successfully growing them
Hi Andy,
I live pretty close to you and haven't had any problems with orientals for about the past 5 years. The first year or two I tried them they didn't make it through the winter - not sure why. I have nice black, rich soil enhanced with composted manuer and I don't test my ph. I have them planted throughout all my gardens and they're all doing well. Mine are mixed in with other perennials which may protect them from some of our adverse weather, not sure. I don't mulch them in winter either even though it's recommended in our zone. Mine do not multiply very fast though, if at all.
Goldfinch do you have them in any shade full sun? I was reading that perhaps orientals are more prone to needing root shade.
Tnx
Nearly all of them are in full sun, but since I do have them in mixed beds, maybe the roots are getting enough shade from the other plants.
I don't have a lot of orientals, but most of them are species, which are generally less forgiving. All grow in pH of 6.8-7. L. auratums I have growing in high 3/4 day shade. L. speciosum, both rubrum and album grow in 90% full sun. I do think the saving grace is a good mulch to keep soil cooler. I use mulched oak leaves. Also think the speciosums would do better if I had quarter to half shade.
Soil is clay based, and surprisingly heavy for oriental lilies to do well. I don't cultivate at all throughout the season. Let the worms do that for you. Don't plant oriental bulbs late in the fall. If the soil you plant in doesn't have time to settle WELL and regain its natural density before freezeup, better to hold them in the frig until spring, IMO.
I have a whole lot of orientals in various locations, from full sun to high shade. My soil pH is quite high though I do try to work in organic matter if I have it on hand. I mulch with hardwood mulch. I would not say I always have perefct luck, but some I have had exceptionally great luck with are 'Starfighter' and some Buggy orientals that are good for all day sun, she is really great about mentioning such traits. Full sun, even then, is not what I would say something I would recommend. The blossoms last a whole lot longer in any bit of shade you can give. The north side of my house seems to be a lot better for them too, they get enough sun, but none of the heat blast in the afternoon.
Have lived here for over 6 years and some of the lilies, orientals, were purchased pretty much the minute we signed the papers, I believe Starfighter' to be one that has lasted all of the years.
I often wonder what it is that makes those orientals tougher to grow here. I know acidity is something they like and I think our winters are something they don't enjoy so much. I dug up a Buggy oriental last year, after having it for one season, and I tell you, what she has at her place is much better for them than what I have here. The bulb was significantly smaller, but then we also had a very wet August too, which botrysis had set in and I had to chop the stalk earlier than expected.
I love the orientals a whole lot, so I am one to say that I won't give up on them. The fragrance alone is worth the trouble, in addition to the later season color appeal. I say don't give up. Try different spots, even with something less expensive and easily replaced; shadier vs. sunnier. Something is bound to work if you are determined.
Leftwood...Approximately what is the time frame you've kept oriental bulbs refrigerated that were purchased in the fall?
I've kept bulbs cool that I grew in the summer, dug up in September and re-started indoors in March. I've only ever actually purchased new bulbs for spring delivery. This fall, I'd like to purchase from a couple vendors that ONLY ship in the fall.
What are anyone's thoughts on fall purchased bulbs staying dormant till March if kept around 40 degrees?
Do you have to dig them and store for the wintr? BEV
Dragonfly, no, you, in your zone, do not have to dig and store Oriental lilies for the winter months. Chocolatemoose probably does because she's in zone 1 and that's a lot colder than you'll get (I hope). :)
Thats what I thought. Thank you. BEV
Chocolatemoose, I've kept lily bulbs(including orientals) from the last week of November to planting time - last week of April/early May. But I keep my frig rather cold, comparatively. Water in the back (were the cold air vents in) will get a sheet of ice covering the liquid, but a whole glass of water will never freeze. A thermometer elsewhere in the frig reads 38-40 F.
Thanks Leftwood...That's exactly the info I was looking for! And it sounds like my intentions will work just fine!
Dragonfly62...OOPS!...Didn't mean to send you into a panic...But if you like, feel free to come help me"winterize" mine...LOL. The thought of what I have to do is scary, but I LOVE my lilies and dahlias so a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do to support her habit.!
I have a ? do you think I could over winter dahlias or other bulbs in a walk in cooler for the winter and plant them in the spring???
Gloria
What's the temp in the walk in cooler?
It never goes below 35
Gloria
Andy, I read that some northerners have better luck planting Orientals in the spring. Giving them a growing season to get well established can help with winter hardiness.
Any dahlia experts here? Certainly not me, but I would guess that a temp that gets as low as 35 F would be too cold.
Hmmm...Will be interesting to hear what the experts say...35ish sounds just about right to me...but I'm not an expert either...
Hi! am just starting to add some lilies (this fall) - anybody out there from the deep south (Georgia) grow them successfully? Am thinking they'll need more shade here, but not sure about how much sun they'll take. Our August & September are brutal! Any advice gratefully received! Samantha
Samantha, I know of several DGrs in your area that successfully grow lilies. Asiatics, LA hybrids, trumpets, and Oriental-Trumpet hybrids will all do very well in your area. Orientals will probably do well too (some better than others), but afternoon shade would be helpful- they seem to be most prone to sunburn and many are later to bloom. Most would be finished blooming before the heat of August for you, since spring comes earlier in your neck of the woods.
Thanks, gemini! I getting ready to order some in a couple of weeks, & I'd hate to waste my money on something that absolutely would not grow here! I am encouraged - I hope I'm up to the task! Everything I've read say to plant them DEEP - 8" ! At least the squirrels won't get them down there! I am watching two potential planting sites for the # of hours/ and time (morning vs afternoon) of sun. I know most everything here has a better chance with just morning sun! Thanks for your advice! Samantha
PS I'm really wanting some L/A 'Courier' , Asiatic 'Monte Negro', and Oriental 'Stargazer' , 'Amazing' and 'Muscadet'. Does anyone know of potential problems/difficulties with any of those? Thanks!
Casa Blanca is a knockout on the north side of my house. I moved them from the west because the sun burned them. This was how they looked about 5 days ago.
Donna
