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I stay in the central belt in Scotland are Tree-like Lilies reasonably hardy and do they require special compost and do the bulbs multiply over time?
Tree lilies are very hardy, in fact they like a cold dormant phase and can tolerate down to -25 degrees. They are happy in any well-drained soil and will multiply over the years. After 3 years, remove the bulblets and replant.
Loraine Hart
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I have noticed that there is what looks like little bulbs growing at the top of the leaves of the lilies. I wasn’t sure it they were new bulbs. Also should you take the bulbs out of the soil at the end of the season and rest them over winter.
Do not be tempted to lift them as Lilies are hardy flowers and like a cold dormant phase and need to be left over winter.
The bulbs you mention on the leaves are seeds, they can be removed and planted. In 3 to 4 years they will bloom into a mature lily.
Loraine Hart
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“Jisca” and “Signum” lily bulbs – Can you tell me the height roughly of each please and do both prefer acidic soil? My soil is very clayey so I am tempted to put them in to pots.
Jisca and Signum will both reach about 90cm tall.
Planting in pots would be perfect for these varieties. We would suggest using an ericaceous soil. Happy planting.
Loraine Hart
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I purchased lily bulbs from you earlier this year, just put them in pots and have had the most magnificent display of lily flowers, which I am still enjoying. It seems so much return for so little effort on my part so far. But when they have finished flowering what should I then do to achieve a similar display next year. They have given so much pleasure I feel I need to reward them for a promise of future flowers.
I’m so pleased to hear how much you have enjoyed your lilies – they’re fantastic aren’t they?
When the Lilies have 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 the stems become hollow and brown. You’ll simply be able to remove it by hand and throw away. Lilies like a cold dormant phase, leave them where they are and they should show a good display the following year. If they are in pots, just make sure they don’t get waterlogged. Hope this helps.
Loraine Hart
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Will lilies, once planted in the garden, withstand the frost?
Yes they will. In fact, lilies are very hardy and like a cold dormant phase so they are happy to stay out.
Loraine Hart
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I have bought a couple of lion heart Lily bulbs and I’m just wondering when I should be planting them. I have bought bulbs before and for some reason they haven’t come up. I want to get it right this time. Please help.
If you have recently bought your bulbs at one of the shows we attend, you will need to plant them immediately (as they have been held back in a cold store and will flower this summer approx. 8-12weeks time . They will return to their normal flowering cycle next year).
https://www.hartsnursery.co.uk/Lion-Heart.html
Loraine Hart
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Will my lilies that require ericaceous grow in neutral compost?
Yes they will do but Orientals do like an acidic soil. You could always introduce some ericaceous soil to the area.
Loraine Hart
Now’s the time to start checking your foliage on your lilies and fritillaria for the dreaded scarlett beetle. I’ve just been out in my garden and found 4!! Those little pests were soon removed to prevent them from ruining the leaves of my plants.
We have tips to prevent these beetles from ruining your plants and other care tips on our FAQ page.
Growing lilies in pots is a great way to add a pop of colour to your gardens. You can then choose to keep them in their pots or replant them into your flower beds throughout the growing season.
For best results put your pots in a spot that gets a lot of sunlight throughout the day and ensure the soil is well drained. Lilies don’t like standing in water! In fact, you only need to keep them moist, sometimes water every few days, meaning in rainy periods you may not have to water them much at all.
Dwarf lilies/Pot Lilies and other short stemmed lilies tend to be popular as pot choices as they fill out with flowers. If you want taller plants, Asiatics, Orientals and Trumpet lilies can grow nice and tall with an abundance of flowers on the top. Just check the height of each variety as they can vary. Our website gives you the average height for each lily.
Ensure your pot is big and heavy enough as some varieties can become tall with lots of flower heads, this will prevent them from falling over from strong winds. You can add rocks or pieces of broken pots to the bottom to help with your drainage . If you don’t have sufficient drainage in your pots your plants could rot. Once your lilies have flowered and died back ready for their cold-dormant stage through-out the winter months, it’s a good idea to tilt your pots on their side to prevent waterlog. More advice can be found on our website.
Hi Lily Lovers!
Hopefully everyone has had beautiful lilies this year in their garden. The ‘Tree-like lilies‘ have been fantastic, there are so many new varieties. The perfume is
wonderful. These extremely tall lilies tower above the shrubs in borders with sturdy stems and an abundance of blooms.
So, if your lilies have bloomed, now is the time to dead head them. Cut just below the last bloom leaving the stem to die back completely, this feeds the bulb for the following year making the bulb bigger, producing more blooms. Wait until the autumn to repot. Lilies should be re potted every three years. The little bulblets you find can also be potted to produce blooms in a few years time! Remember to keep your lilies well drained over winter. This is really important or they will rot. Tip pots on their side or place them on a couple of house bricks. We have more tips on planting and looking after your lilies here including how to keep those pesky Lily Beetles away!
We have some fabulous new varieties for next year, especially ‘Roselilies‘. These beautiful double varieties are highly scented and have no pollen. They will soon be added to our website, so please check back and order for February delivery.
Don’t forget it will soon be time to plant your spring flowering bulbs. These are also on our website. We have
some stunning varieties of Tulips but if you want height, Alliums are a must!
Lastly we are at the ‘Shrewsbury Flower Show‘ this weekend (Friday 12th to Saturday 13th August). So if you are coming, we will see you there!
Happy Gardening!
The ‘Hart Team’
