This question was asked by
We purchased from you at RHS Chelsea two Lily varieties- – Roselilies – Aisha & Angela.
When should these bulbs be planted, at what depth and the type of compost/soil?We shall be most grateful if you will be good enough to answer these questions for us please.
Plant your bulbs straight away and they will flower this year still, usually in 10 to 12 weeks. They will be just a little later this year but return to their usual flowering cycle next year.
You should have received instructions in your bag, sorry if these were missed.
How to plant Roselilies
- Roselily Bulbs should be planted as soon as possible. Ideally in the Spring but can be planted up until the Autumn.
- Find a location with full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil.
- Roselilies tend to grow exceptionally well in pots and tubs.
- Plant the bulbs with 4-6″ of soil above them.
Planting Roselilies in the Garden
- Find a location with full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil.
- Roselilies prefer an Acidic/Ericaceous Soil type. They do not tolerate Lime very well.
- Arrange the Lilies in an odd-number grouping.
- Plant the bulbs about 12-20cm (5-8″) apart.
- Space the groupings at least 60-90cm (2-3ft) apart.
- Plant the bulbs with 10-15cm (4-6″) of soil above them.
Planting Roselilies in Pots
- Find a location with full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil.
- Plant 5 bulbs in a 15″ ‘patio type’ pot using good-quality, multi-purpose compost with added grit.
- Plant the bulbs with 10-15″ (4-6″) of soil above them.
- Ensure there is adequate drainage.
How to care for Roselilies
- Roselilies can tolerate very cold conditions but they do not like to get wet.
- If planting in borders in the garden, the soil must be well drained and, preferably, humus rich.
- If planting in pots, make sure lilies are kept moist but do not get waterlogged.
- Lilies prefer to be planted in a location with at least half a day’s full sunshine, if it’s a bit too shady they will lean their stems towards the sun.
- Lily bulbs do not like to be dried out so they must be kept in soil at all times.
- Try to plant your lilies where they will dry out after rain to prevent Botrytis, a fungus that spots the leaves. If you do see brown spots on your leaves, spray with a fungicide recommended for roses.
- If planting in pots, it may be an idea to tilt the pots on their side in the winter to prevent waterlog.
- When the Lily has finished flowering, cut any seed heads back and allow the foliage to die back naturally. Do not be tempted to cut the stem back until stems becomes hollow and brown.
- Lilies like a cold dormant phase throughout the winter so they don’t need lifting. However, do ensure they have adequate drainage and do not get waterlogged as this will cause the bulbs to rot.
- After a few years of flowering, you may find your Roselily produces less blooms, it may be time to lift your bulbs and divide them by breaking off the bulblets. All the bulbs will then need replanting.
- To prevent Lily Beetles from damaging your lilies, we recommend using the Lily Beetle Prevention Spray or you can make up your own with the Concentrate. This Spray (Grazers G4) will also stimulate growth of your lilies.
- You can feed your lilies with a Tomato Feed to stimulate and strengthen your lilies when you start to see signs of growth. Make up your tomato feed with half the recommended dilution (written on the instructions on the bottle) and feed once every 3 weeks.
The Hart Family
