Plant true lilies in fall for striking spring color

COLUMBIA, Mo. – During fall, many gardeners plant popular spring-flowering bulbs like narcissus, tulips and hyacinths.

“Fall also is a good time to plant lilies,” said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.

True lilies are different from several other plants with the word “lily” in their common name such as daylily, lily-of-the-valley and blackberry lily. The bulbs of true lilies are composed of fleshy scales without a protective covering.

Prized for their striking color and fragrance, lilies add vertical elegance to gardens while using minimal ground space. When properly planted and cared for, these resilient perennials offer continuous summer blooms while attracting helpful pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds, Trinklein said.

Lilies have a rich history spanning thousands of years. In ancient Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean, lilies were cultivated for food, medicine and ornamentation. The earliest known visual record of the flower is a fresco from around 1580 B.C. found on the island of Crete.

In ancient Greece it was said that white lilies sprang from the breast milk of Hera, while the Romans associated them with Venus. In Christianity, the white Madonna lily became an enduring symbol of the Virgin Mary’s purity. During the Victorian Era, botanists traveled the globe to find new varieties.

Some of the more popular lilies are Asiatic lily, Oriental lily, tiger lily, royal (regale) lily and strains of Aurelian (trumpet) lily such as African Queen, Golden Splendor, Beijing Moon, Pink Perfection and Lady Alice. The range of size, color and form of lily seems almost endless, Trinklein said.

Unlike spring-flowering bulbs, lilies are never completely dormant and must be handled carefully when they are not in the soil. They lose moisture quickly, and wilted bulbs lead to poor growth and few, if any, flowers.

Lilies may be planted in fall any time before the ground freezes. An exception is the Madonna lily, which should be planted in late summer or very early fall to give it enough time to develop top growth before cold weather arrives.

Lilies require loose, fertile and exceptionally well-draining ground to prevent bulb rot. Start by loosening the existing soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches to give lilies’ deep root systems room to expand. Incorporate a heavy layer of organic matter (such as compost, leaf mold or aged manure) to improve soil structure and boost nutrients. Lilies prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Add sulfur to lower the pH or lime to raise it if a soil test shows extreme levels.

Planting technique is essential to give lilies a strong start and ensure vibrant blooms. Begin by digging a hole 2-3 times deeper than the height of the bulb, which generally translates to planting them 6-8 inches deep. This keeps the bulbs cool during summer and provides structural support for the tall stems.

Place the bulb in the hole with its pointed end facing upward and its roots spreading downward. Space bulbs 8-12 inches apart to leave room for air circulation and future growth. Once bulbs are positioned, fill the hole with soil, press down gently to eliminate large air pockets, and water the area thoroughly to settle the ground around the roots.

Care after planting focuses on consistent moisture, nutrition and structural support to ensure healthy growth. Water deeply once a week, making sure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark, to keep the roots cool, retain moisture and suppress weeds.

When green shoots emerge in the spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer such as10-10-10, and repeat the application right before the flowers open. As plants grow, install stakes for taller varieties to prevent strong winds from toppling flower stems.

Finally, immediately remove faded blooms to prevent seed production, which redirects the plant’s energy back into the bulb for next year’s growth.

Photo

Fall is the time to plant true lilies, which differ from other spring bulbs with the name “lily” in them. The result will be vibrant spring flowers that add vertical interest to your garden. Photo by Linda Geist.