This question was asked by
– Mandy Wieczorek

I have just signed up to your website and will definitely be ordering Lily bulbs for next year. My question is, for the past couple of years I have had a fantastic show with my giant tree lilies,which are in pots but, this year they are about half the size with very few flowers. Any advice will be gratefully received.They are about 3 years old.
My other lilies have not done well either.

Hi there

We advise replanting your lilies after 3 years, give them some fresh compost and break off the baby bulblets as these will be sapping the energy from the main bulbs. You could also give them a feed with some diluted tomarite or a slow release fertiliser:

Slow Release Fertiliser – Easy Feed Pack (SKU18119)

The Hart Family

This question was asked by
– S. Henry

I once saw an expert on tv discussing lilies asiatic and oriental.
He said one of these was easy to grow, the other not so.
Trouble is, I can’t remember which he said was easy! Can you please help?
Thank you so much.

All lilies are fairly easy to grow as long as they are in well-drained soil. Different varieties of lilies do like different types of soil (Alkaline or Acidic). If you are unsure of your soil type in the garden, then growing them in pots will be perfect with a good multi-purpose soil and adequate drainage. But if you want to plant them in the garden borders,then go for Oriental Trumpet lilies are they are happy in any soil type.

So to answer your question, they are all easy to maintain and will come back year after year.

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

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

The Hart Family

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
– K. Mitchell

Is it to late to buy and plant giant lilies now?

Hi there,

We are now taking pre-orders of lilies for them to be dispatched in Feb/March ready for planting. We have plenty of the large lily varieties including some collections which contain some top sellers:

‘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
– 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