This question was asked by
– A. Marriott

Hi there, just placed an order, hoping its a good mix, will be planting in containers, what is the best compost, does it require crocks for drainage,when should i plant, how deep, do i protect from frost, any information would be great, its a surprise for my wife, there her favourite flowers, so want to get it right, how long is delivery, many thanks

HI there,

You will receive Planting Instructions with your order so that should cover everything on there but here is an overview for you:

Planting Instructions
Lily Bulbs should be planted as soon as you receive them. Ideally in the Spring.
Find a location with full sun or partial shade.
Different Lily varieties tolerate different soil types, Acidic or Alkaline. Most of your lilies are Oriental Trumpet Lilies which can tolerate both. The Lipgloss Oriental Lily you’ve ordered will like Acidic (ericaceaous) soil. Although any good multipurpose compost is suitable, John Innes No 3 is recommended for most lilies. You can also add horticultural grit if the soil appears to dense.
Arrange the Lilies in an odd-number grouping.
As you are planting in pots and the varieties you have chosen are also known as Tree-lilies, we would recommend planting them in heavy patio pots to hold the weight of these tall lilies. Plant 3 bulbs in a 14-16″ ‘patio type’ pot.
Plant the bulbs pointy end up with 6″ of soil above them. You can add crocks to the bottom of the container if you wish, these will help with drainage and weighing the pot down.
Lilies can tolerate very cold conditions but they do not like to get wet.
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 even during the winter (It may be an idea to tilt the pots on their side in the winter to prevent waterlog). Lilies are happy to stay outside during the winter as they like a cold dormant phase so no need to worry about frost.
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.
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.
After a few years of flowering, you may find the your lilies produce 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.
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.

Hope this all helps.
Kind regards

The Hart Family

This question was asked by
– M. Millward

I wish to buy some tree lilly’s but not sure which. I live in Blackpool and plant my lilly’s in containers to protect them from mice and frost.
I am looking mainly for scent but also colour but mainly scent to fill my small garden. Can you surggest some types please. I would like them to reach at least 6′ tall.

Hi Mark
All our tree lilies are fantastic. Usually you find the whiter the flower, the stronger the scent but Tree lilies are all highly scented . Have you seen our Tree lily collections which are a good offer at a slightly reduced price?

‘Tree like’ Lily Bulb Collection (Pack of 12 Bulbs) (harts1152)

Multicoloured ‘Tree-like’ Lily Bulb Collection (Pack of 12 Bulbs) Lily Bulb Collections (SKU17752)

The Hart Family

This question was asked by
– C. Caddick

I bought some of the above lily’s from the Southport Flower show. When I opened the bag they have grown about 2 inches. I have planted them in pots will they flower this year ?

Hi there – yes they have just started sprouting and that’s absolutely fine. I’m pleased to hear you have planted them straight away as they will be in flower in about 8 to 10 weeks.

The Hart Family

This question was asked by
– H. Devey

Hi Just discovered your web site, I am a Lilly fan but a complete novice gardener at 76 years old. I am about to take a weeks holiday but I will be ordering your Lilly collection when I return also the cure for the Lilly Beetle. Expect my order in Sept.
Regards, Harry

Thank you for your email Harry. All lily bulb orders are dispatched in the spring next year now. Lilies are so easy to grow, especially if you start with the Tree-like lilies as they are happy in any well-drained soil in a sunny position.

‘Tree like’ Lily Bulb Collection (Pack of 12 Bulbs) (harts1152)

The Hart Family

This question was asked by
– Hazel Hobday

I have some tree lilies which clearly need dividing. I was going to wait until the spring but should I do it now?
The plants have stopped flowering and they have really struggled with fungus on the leaves this year so they are quite brown and bedraggled already.

Wait until everything has died back completely. Ideally this will be in the Autumn, then you can divide your lily bulbs and replant them. Perhaps try feeding them with a tomato feed when you start seeing signs of growth next year.

The Hart Family

This question was asked by
– Rod F

Please can you confirm the names of the tree like lilies in the 12 bulb collection.

The Tree Lily Bulb collections contains: 3 x Nymph, 3 x Robina, 3 x Manissa and 3 x Cocossa bulbs.

‘Tree like’ Lily Bulb Collection (Pack of 12 Bulbs) (harts1152)

Loraine Hart