ADORNED LIKE LILIES

The God of the Universe must be truly proud of His creation of flowers. Especially that of the Lilium genus of perennial plants. There are many types of lilies and I have gathered several in my own perennial gardens over the years. Some were given as gifts to honor Mother’s Days or Birthdays, some were shared by friends and family through divisions or seeds, some were purchased to support school and civic fundraisers, and yes, I confess, I have even pulled over on the side of a highway to dig a wild lily bulb or three.

As the lilies in my own perennial garden began to open this season, I wrote a few thoughts in my garden journal and decided to share them with you.

“I sit by the garden and watch and wait with expectation. The Lilium announce to their companions that they are about to make their grand appearance. First showing up in the garden as a tightly rolled tulip shaped pod, as if a mysterious written invitation. As I watch her petals unfurl like the swirling of a gown at an elegant ball, I am surprised at each of the colors that unfold. I gaze upon her beauty like the prince that was captivated by Cinderella. Her pollen slippers made of bronze velvet are Anthers on legs of Stamen exposed, as if the lady fell and landed upside down on the grand stairway down to the pumpkin carriage. I see her sway in the wind showing off her costume of glory, and I cannot help but think of the quote of Jesus in the scriptures when He was trying to comfort His disciples, telling them not to worry about the trials and troubles of this life. He specifically told them to consider the Lilies in the Field. He said “Look at the Lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon (a very rich King) in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as the Lilies.” And it is certain that God cares for you more than the Lilies so don’t worry little one.

Lilium is a genus of herbacious flowering perennial plants grown from what is known as true bulbs. Most lilies do well in plain or acidic soil; rich or fertilized soil will practically kill the plant.

Lily bulbs should be planted in a hole three times their size, in both depth and width, in a well-drained area. Lilium grow best in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 and can be planted in Spring as soon as soil can be worked. Pointy side up and root side down where she will receive 6 hours of full sun will make her the happiest lily you’ve ever met.

The God of the Universe must be truly proud of His creation of flowers. Especially that of the Lilium genus of perennial plants.

Propagation of Lilium is easily accomplished as you can propagate Lilium six ways -Scaling, dividing, leaf cutting, bulbils, seeds, and bulblets. When scaling, Lilium will reproduce exact traits of the parent plant. It will require removing the outer portions or “scales” of the lily bulb, each removed with a portion of the basil plate intact. Each scale is then placed in moist sand or perlite, basil plate side down. After several weeks, 1-7 little bulblets will form at the base of the scale. These bulblets will then turn into full bulbs. It will take two to three years to bloom using this method. 

The preferred method of propagating Lilium is dividing the bulbs typically in early autumn, separating whole bulbs one from another and replanting immediately. I especially love to do this in early spring just as the leaf is emerging from the soil, when it is easy to see where to divide and very easy to handle with short stems.

I truly enjoy purposely cross-pollinating the lilies to increase the color variations in my perennial garden. You can do this easily by removing the anther of one lily and cross pollinating it with the stigma of another lily of the same type. The bees and pollinators usually do this for us but if you get out early enough when a new blossom has opened, you can cross-pollinate the lilies of your choice yourself, as shown below. You will know the receiving stigma has been pollinated as she will make a slight movement once the pollination is received. It is quite magical to watch. This will form a seed pod and the seeds can be planted to form a lily of variable traits of the parent lilies that you select hand pollinated.

The lilies in my Zone 7 perennial garden bloom from late April through September, depending upon the variety. Lilium come in a very large variety of cultivars. I have a collection of Asiatic, Trumpet, Oriental and OT varieties.

Asiatic lilies come in a rainbow of bright colors, face upwards and have no scent at all. Typically the Asiatic bulbs are white.

Trumpet lilies are tall and dramatic and as the name implies form multiple downward facing trumpets. These are also known sometimes as tree lilies due to their amazing heights. Trumpet lily bulbs are typically purple or dark pink tinged.

Oriental lilies are heavily fragranced and have bold starshaped flowers. One variety that most people know, even non gardeners, is “Star-Gazer” Lily. Due to her exquisite beauty and heavy fragrance she is commonly used by florist in flower arrangements. Oriental lily bulbs are typically yellow.

Just like most common perennial plants in the garden, mankind has cross-pollinated many varieties of lilies and one other lily I have in my garden and the one that I enjoy most is the “OT lily” or Orienpet Lily. The OT hybrid lilies are a cross between Oriental and Trumpet or Aurelian Lilies. They combine the beauty of the Oriental lilies and the colors of the Trumpet lilies carrying the best qualities of both parents. OT lilies are more tolerant of harsh growing environments than their Oriental parent, yet still retain the exotic appearance, size, and fragrance making it a delight to the perennial landscape.

I have several gardening friends who are lily enthusiast. When asked where is best to purchase lily bulbs, they prefer mail order catalogs to big box stores as the bulbs are typically fresher and in better condition.

THE PERENNIAL GARDEN SOCIETY FRIENDS SHARE THE BEAUTY OF THE LILIES IN THEIR PERENNIAL GARDENS…

In closing, in the Perennial Garden, the Lilium is the jeweled crown of the summer landscape, captivating in beauty, loyal in her return year after year, and sure to bring you pleasure that you look forward to seeing emerge from her winter bed each flowering season.

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