Lilies are among the most stunning summer-blooming plants, known for their tall stems, elegant flowers, and rich fragrance that fills the garden air. Whether planted in the ground or in containers, lilies bring a vibrant splash of color and grace to any outdoor space. With the right care, these perennial favorites return year after year, rewarding gardeners with dazzling displays that feel almost tropical. From the bold Asiatic varieties to the intensely perfumed Oriental types, lilies offer versatility and beauty for gardeners of all skill levels. Choosing the right soil, planting depth, and timing can make all the difference in how well your lilies thrive.
Table of Contents
Where to Plant Lilies
Finding the right spot is essential to help lilies grow strong and produce their signature blooms. These plants thrive in full sun, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct light each day. While lilies love the sun on their heads, they prefer cool, shaded roots. To achieve this, consider underplanting with low-growing ground covers or surrounding them with other plants that can help insulate the soil.
Soil quality also plays a big role. Most lilies prefer moist but well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. Oriental lilies do best in acidic or ericaceous compost, making them ideal for pots or acidic beds. Asiatic lilies, on the other hand, flourish in neutral to alkaline soil, which suits most typical garden conditions.
If you’re planting in containers, choose a deep pot—at least 30cm (12 inches) deep—to give roots plenty of room. For varieties like martagon or Turk’s cap lilies, which naturally grow in woodland settings, a partially shaded location with dappled light is best. These types are perfect for naturalising under deciduous trees where they’ll multiply over time.
When to Plant Lily Bulbs
Timing is key when planting lilies to ensure they develop strong roots and flower beautifully in summer. The ideal window to plant lily bulbs is from late autumn through early spring, typically between October and April. This gives the bulbs time to settle and establish before the growing season begins.
Always choose firm, healthy bulbs without signs of mold or rot. Soft or shriveled bulbs are unlikely to thrive. When planting in the ground or containers, position the bulb three times as deep as its height—usually around 15–20 cm (6–8 inches)—and space them about 15 cm apart to allow for air circulation and future growth.
If you’re in a colder climate, planting slightly deeper provides added insulation against frost. Container-grown lilies should have at least 12 cm (5 inches) of soil above the bulb to protect them through winter. For best results, water after planting and apply a layer of mulch to help regulate moisture and temperature.
How to Care for Lilies
Caring properly for lilies not only enhances their blooms during summer but also ensures they return stronger year after year. Tall varieties benefit from staking or plant supports to prevent their flower-laden stems from bending or snapping in the wind. It’s best to insert supports early, before the plants reach full height.
During the flowering period, feed your lilies every two weeks with a high-potassium fertilizer, such as tomato feed. This encourages larger blooms and helps the bulbs store energy for the next season. Regular watering is essential, especially in containers, but always avoid waterlogged soil.
Once flowering ends, deadhead spent blooms promptly to prevent seed formation, which can drain energy from the bulb. However, keep the green stems in place until they turn completely brown. These stems continue to photosynthesize, storing nutrients in the bulb for next year’s growth.
If you’re growing lilies for cutting, never remove the entire stem. Instead, cut only the top third, leaving enough foliage behind to nourish the bulb. After flowering, move potted lilies to a shaded area and reduce watering to allow the plant to rest.
How to Propagate Lilies
As lilies mature, they naturally form clumps that can become overcrowded over time. To keep your plants vigorous and to multiply your stock, it’s a good idea to propagate by division every 3 to 4 years. The best time to do this is in autumn, after the foliage has fully died back.
Start by gently lifting the entire clump with a garden fork, being careful not to damage the bulbs. You’ll find several mature bulbs along with smaller offshoots, often called bulblets. Separate these bulbs by hand, discarding any that are soft or diseased.
Replant the healthy bulbs immediately into their new positions—either directly in the garden or into pots filled with fresh, well-draining compost. Make sure to follow proper spacing and depth guidelines. With regular care, these newly planted bulbs will develop into blooming plants within a season or two.
Propagation is not only a cost-effective way to expand your garden, but it also revitalizes older plants, giving them more space and resources to thrive.
Growing Lilies: Problem Solving
While lilies are generally low-maintenance, they do face one common and destructive threat: the red lily beetle. These bright red pests, around 8mm long, are active from spring through autumn and can quickly decimate foliage, buds, and flowers if left unchecked.
The first signs of an infestation are often black, sticky excrement on the leaves—this is actually a protective coating used by the beetle’s larvae. Adults are quick to drop to the ground and play dead when disturbed, making them difficult to spot unless you’re vigilant.
To protect your lilies:
- Inspect plants regularly, especially the undersides of leaves
- Hand-pick and crush any beetles, larvae, or eggs
- Avoid chemical sprays during flowering to protect pollinators
- Use organic pest control options or neem oil as a last resort
Consistent monitoring is the key. Catching beetles early in the season can make all the difference between lush, healthy growth and a garden full of chewed leaves.
Lilies and Cats
If you’re a cat owner, it’s important to know that lilies are extremely toxic to cats. All parts of the plant—flowers, leaves, stems, and even pollen—can be fatal if ingested or licked. Just brushing against a lily and then grooming can expose a cat to dangerous levels of toxins.
Symptoms of lily poisoning in cats can appear within hours and may include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and kidney failure. If there’s any suspicion that a cat has come into contact with lilies, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
For safety, avoid planting lilies in gardens or containers accessible to curious cats. If you love their look but want a pet-safe alternative, consider non-toxic flowering plants such as calendula or snapdragons.
Growing Lilies: Buying Advice
Starting with healthy bulbs is essential for successful lilies. When shopping, look for firm, plump bulbs that show no signs of mold, softness, or shriveling. Avoid any that feel light or hollow, as these are likely dried out or rotting.
Before purchasing, always check:
- The mature height and spread of the lily variety
- The soil type it prefers (acidic, neutral, or alkaline)
- Whether it’s suited for containers, borders, or shade
- Flowering time—early summer, midsummer, or late
While garden centers often stock popular varieties in season, you’ll find a much wider selection—including rare and specialty lilies—through dedicated online nurseries. Reputable suppliers often list detailed care instructions and flowering timelines, helping you make informed choices.
Some trusted places to buy lilies include:
- Thompson & Morgan
- Harts Nursery
- Crocus
- Suttons
Buying from specialist growers also increases your chances of finding disease-free stock, which helps reduce pest problems and ensures healthier blooms.
10 Lilies to Grow
Whether you’re planting in borders, containers, or cutting gardens, these standout lilies offer beauty, fragrance, and reliable performance. Here are 10 highly recommended varieties to consider:
1. Lilium ‘Dazzler’
A compact, deep-pink Oriental lily with glossy foliage. Each plant can produce up to 10 fragrant blooms, ideal for containers and cutting.
2. Lilium ‘Orange Marmalade’
Bright, star-shaped orange flowers bloom on tall stems in early to mid-summer. Excellent for height and warm color in garden beds.
3. Lilium ‘Nymph’
Towering up to 2 meters, this dramatic Oriental lily bears large, lemon-yellow blooms with a striking pink stripe. Strongly scented and great for the back of borders.
4. Lilium ‘Casa Blanca’
A classic white Oriental lily with pure, fragrant blooms. Reaches up to 130cm and flowers from mid to late summer.
5. Lilium martagon ‘Arabian Night’
Mahogany-red and orange flowers appear in early summer. Perfect for naturalising in dappled shade or under trees.
6. Lilium ‘Tigrinum splendens’ (Tiger Lily)
Bold, spotted orange blooms on 140cm stems. Hardy and reliable, flowering in late summer.
7. Lilium ‘Firebolt’
One of the darkest Oriental lilies available, with deep burgundy blooms and a strong scent. Excellent for floral arrangements.
8. Lilium ‘The Edge’
White-pink flowers edged in darker pink-violet. Grows up to 90cm and makes a lovely cut flower.
9. Lilium ‘Stracciatella Event’
A striking Asiatic lily with white petals and bold purple markings. Perfect for pots and early summer color.
10. Lilium ‘Tarrango’
A tall, vibrant pink Oriental lily. Grows even taller year after year, producing huge flowers with a rich fragrance.
Conclusion
Lilies are a timeless addition to any garden, offering height, color, and fragrance throughout the summer. Whether you’re growing Asiatic varieties for their bold shades or Oriental types for their powerful scent, success comes down to good soil, sun, and a little seasonal care. With proper planting and attention, lilies will reward you year after year with stunning blooms that brighten borders, patios, and floral arrangements alike.