Plant Profile: Lilium

Liliums are perennial summer bulbs that thrive as herbaceous geophytes, capable of surviving winter without needing to be dug up for storage. Their bulbs feature fleshy scales that are either white or yellow. These plants thrive in full sunlight or partial shade for their leaves, while their roots prefer shaded conditions. They require well-drained, nutrient-rich soil and a layer of mulch to keep the root zone cool. While overly wet soil can lead to bulb rot, it’s important to ensure the soil doesn’t dry out completely. For optimal growth, plant the bulbs 8 inches deep in the fall, and you can expect to enjoy their vibrant, fragrant flowers from June to August. Liliums are commonly used as border plants, cut flowers, specimen plants, or in mass plantings. They can also be grown in containers, although they will be smaller in size. Taller varieties may require staking for support. To promote healthy growth, remove spent blooms to conserve energy and trim back the stems once they start to yellow after flowering.

In terms of pests and diseases, be aware that aphids can transmit the lily mosaic virus, which has no cure once the plant is infected. Additionally, botrytis and bulb rot can occur in overly wet, poorly-drained soils.