Scented Lilies

Posted on 2 July 2021 by Victoria Hart

This question was asked by
– Anthony

I like to know what most scented lilies you have in stock pack of 10-15.

Hi Anthony

Our lilies will be available to pre-order very soon. Please keep checking back on our website and/or click on one of the links to be notified when something is back in stock. As a general rule of thumb, the whiter the variety of lily the stronger the scent – this is with anything mixed with an oriental lily though. Asiatic lilies do not carry a scent as they attract the insects by their bright colours.

Have you seen:

Roselily ‘Aisha’ (SKU176191)

Lily ‘Zambesi’ (SKU17616)

Lily ‘Nymph’ (harts1027)

These lilies all carry a fantastic fragrance.

The Hart Family

Lily Beetle Advice

Posted on 2 July 2021 by Victoria Hart

This question was asked by
– Glenys –

Hi, I am a lover of lilies but alas, so many succumb to the dreaded lily beetle. Apart from picking them off by hand which is never ending with the many that I grow, can you advise on any beetle resistant lilies and what sprays can be used/home made possibly, bearing in mind that I garden organically.

Thanks for your help, Glenys

You could try our lily beetle prevention spray which is environmentally friendly or you could make up your own garlic solution. Crush a whole corm of garlic in a small pan of boiling water. Allow to cool, strain and put in a small container in the fridge. When using, dilute three parts water to one part garlic solution. Spray often, every few days, especially when it has rained. There is a garlic product available in garden centres and stores, but this is a much cheaper alternative.

The Hart Family

Madonna lilies

Posted on 17 June 2021 by Victoria Hart

This question was asked by
– Maria T –

We would like to know what kind of soil Madonna lilies require. We live in the north of England and are having trouble making them flower. Thank you

Hi Maria

Madonna Lilies prefer an alkaline soil if they are planted in the garden but you can use a good-quality multipurpose compost with added horticultural grit if you are planting them in the pots.

Lilium Candidum (Madonna Lily)

The Hart Family

FAQ on growing lilies

Posted on 9 June 2021 by Victoria Hart

How do I plant my lily bulbs?

Lilies are very hardy bulbs. They can tolerate very cold conditions but do not like to get wet. If planting in borders the soil must be free draining and preferably humus rich. Some lilies prefer acid soil, mainly Oriental lilies, and some prefer alkaline mainly Asiatic lilies. It is best to check which soil you have. When planting in pots or tubs you must make sure that they are kept moist but do not get waterlogged. Plant bulbs with 4-6″ (10-15cm) of soil above them. If planting in pots, plant 3 in a 10-14″ (25-35cm) pot, in a good-quality, peat-free, multi-purpose compost. John Innes No.3 is ideal for Lilies also. If it appears too dense, add some horticultural grit to improve drainage.

Continue reading →

Helpful tips on growing lilies

Posted on 9 June 2021 by Victoria Hart

Lily Bulbs need planting with the tip pointing upwards and the roots down.

Planting your lilies couldn’t be easier once you have chosen the right soil for the variety.

Simply plant with the growing tip pointing upwards and the roots below and cover the top of the bulb with 4-6” (10-15cm) of soil.

If planting in pots, plant 3 bulbs in a 10-14” (25-35cm) ‘patio type’ pot. You can plant more in a larger pot or less in a smaller pot. It really depends on the display you would like to achieve. You can also stagger the planting, using different lilies to achieve different heights.

Continue reading →

Which lilies are best for your garden

Posted on 9 June 2021 by Victoria Hart

Luscious Lilies for your garden pots or borders

Whether you’re a fan of scented or unscented; tall or short; subtle or bold colours, there’s a lily for everyone. I often get asked how to choose a lily and I guess this is where I start…

Where are you thinking of planting your lilies?

Firstly, where would you like to grow your lilies? Pots or garden borders? If you’re planning on planting up your lily bulbs in pots for your patio (or making a pot feature around your garden), then the world is your oyster when it comes to lily choice. This is because different lilies like different soil types. Therefore, you can choose any lily and just mix up the right soil/compost for it. Lilies are generally happy in a good-quality, peat-free, multi-purpose compost. This leads me to the next question…

Lilium Majestic Joy

Continue reading →

Stargazer lilies

Posted on 21 May 2021 by Victoria Hart

This question was asked by
– Geoffrey N

When will you recommence selling stargazer bulbs and will you be able to deliver to Spain?

Hi there,

Stargazer are back in stock but we can’t deliver to Spain at the moment I’m afraid.

Lily ‘Stargazer’ (harts1003)

The Hart Family

Stock availability – especially Lilies

Posted on 20 May 2021 by Victoria Hart

This question was asked by
– Aline P

Hi. I really hope that the out of stock status on every item I clicked today was due to robust sales; brilliant if this is the case especially after the lack of shows in which to show your wonderful displays.
I’ve a number of your lilies in beds and also in pots ready for planting out, but would really appreciate a dozen more plants suitable for cutting – especially scented plants that will go into one of my newly set up cutting flower beds in my vegetable garden. Everything I clicked today showed out of stock. I’m not particularly fussy for soil type as am lucky enough to have neutral and acidic (no alkaline) soil, but would like a selection suitable for cutting within the next year or two. Do you have any bulbs that would fit this brief that I could bury into the beds now before I start positioning the annuals?
Kind regards
Aline Phelps

Hi Aline

Yes any of the orientals or oriental hybrids will work well in your garden. I have just put all our stock back online:

Oriental Lilies

Oriental Trumpet Lilies

Double Oriental Lilies

Roselilies

Longiflorum Oriental Lilies

The Hart Family