With the help of the Met Office long range forecast of unsettled weather remains for the foreseeable future. The few drier days we have had have helped the borders to the extent that some areas of the garden are quite workable. There is actually sunshine as I write. A day to be outside.
My main goal over the next few weeks is to get my lilies planted. Often they are underutilised, they can transform for the summer garden just as tulips do in the spring. With their exquisite flowers, exotic fragrances, varying heights and shapes and the amazing spectrum of colours it is of little wonder that lilies rank fourth amongst the global popularity of flowers.
Lilies are very versatile and the majority thrive in semi-shade or full sun. Below are a few key pointers to remember when planting your lilies.
• Most lilies prefer dappled shade. The old adage of cooler roots and sunny flowers is well suited to lilies. Planting among small shrubs and dwarf conifers is particularly effective.
•Lilies are heavy feeders. Like most bulbs lilies prefer a free-draining loamy soil with a high humus content.
• Bulb sizes can vary significantly between species but all lilies benefit from deep planting. As a rule of thumb plant at a depth of three times the size of the bulb. However, don’t plant deeper than soil conditions and cultivation allow, lilies are able to adjust their depth in the soil through their root system once established.
• Most lilies make basal and then stem roots when they start to grow in the spring. A top dressing in the spring is essential to maintain vigorous growth.
If you are put off planting in the border immediately for fear of disturbing existing bulbs, don’t be. The ideal solution is to plant your lilies in pots either for the terrace or to be placed in the border later in the year (there will be plenty of summer foliage to hide the pots). My own borders include a combination of lilies planted in the soil and camouflaged pots.
When planting lilies this way, always try and use the biggest pots possible. Lilies are heavy feeders. Use a rich, well-drained compost.
Lilies are a true investment; naturalising and multiplying these elegant blooms will bestow years of pleasure.