Royalty in the Garden

Barbara Lindholm

DeKalb County Master Gardener

Majestic. Regal. Aristocratic. These are all words used to describe the many members of the lily (lilium) family. With 100 species and several hundred cultivars, they are a true force in the gardening world.

Lilies existed for several thousand years in their wild form in Asia, Europe and North America. At some point, they were brought into the home gardens. Over time, hybridizers have created the many beautiful varieties that are available today.

There are officially 10 major types of lilies. The most common classifications are Asiatic, Mortagon, Oriental, Trumpet, and Orienpet.

Asiatic lilies are extremely popular and offer a gorgeous palette of bold colors including deep red, orange, burgundy, and gold. They come in single and double form. They are easy to grow and multiply rapidly. They will grow from 2-5' and bloom in June. Plant them in full sun.

Mortagon or Turk's cap lily is downward facing with recurved petals. It comes in solid colors and also in a form that is freckled. It multiplies easily. This it the lily to plant if you are gardening in shade or in a woodland setting. Blooming in June or July, this plant will grow from 3-6'.

Trumpet (Aurelian) lilies are known for their classic trumpet shaped form. They are strongly scented and will fill your garden with fragrance. Flower heads can be as large as 6-10" when they peak in the month of July. Oriental lilies are impressive vertical accents for your garden as they can grow to a height of 8'. They are available in single and double forms and are known for their sweet scent and large flowers. Oriental lilies are hardy, disease resistant and have pollen free stamens. Dwarf varieties of Oriental lilies make dynamic container plants. Both varieties will bloom in August.

Orienpet lilies are the "new kids on the block". They are an American hybrid created from crossing the Oriental and Trumpet lilies. This combination has resulted in a lily that is considered to be better than either of the parent plants. Orienpets are extremely disease resistant and easily tolerate heat, humidity, and cold. They prefer dappled sunlight or morning sun and afternoon shade. They come in bold shades of red, orange, burgundy, and gold but are also available in pastel shades of white, pink, peach, and soft yellows. Blooming from mid-July to mid-August, they can grow as tall as 8'.

To better decide which lilies are right for you and your garden, check garden catalogs as they arrive. They will have good pictures of all the types I have mentioned here.

Lily care is amazingly easy. Select firm, good size bulbs and plant them according to the package directions. Plan to plant your bulbs in the fall or spring in a neutral or slightly acidic soil. Sand and compost can be added if your soil is poor or hard packed. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 being careful not to let the fertilizer come in direct contact with the bulb. Fill in the hole and mulch. Stake taller varieties of lilies to protect them from wind damage.

Lilies will bloom and multiply for years before they need to be divided. Fewer flowers and shorter stems are an indication that it is time to divide your bulbs.

Summer blooming lilies will fill your garden with color and fragrance while providing dramatic vertical accents. Why not have a touch of royalty in your garden?

If you have questions or comments about this article, home gardening or about the Master Gardener program, call the Master Gardeners, c/o University of Illinois Extension DeKalb County office at (815-758-8194) or e-mail dekalb_mg@extension. uiuc.edu.