How to Grow Oriental Lilies

Oriental lilies generally bloom in early to midsummer.

Oriental lilies are available in a wide variety of plant sizes and bloom colors. They grow from bulbs which should be planted in the spring or fall. The bulbs do not go dormant and should not be stored. Select and prepare the planting site before purchasing the bulbs so they can be planted right away. When planted properly, they will provide bright colorful blooms for weeks every summer with minimal care

Things You'll Need

• Oriental lily bulbs
• Soil pH test
• Aged manure, compost or leaf mold
• Pine bark or sand
• Rototiller
• Dirt shovel
• Hand shovel
• Mulch
• Fertilizer

Instructions

1. 

   Tall oriental lilies may need to be staked to keep them from falling over.

   Select a planting site that receives at least four to six hours of direct sunlight each day. Choose a site that is shaded from the afternoon sun in very hot climates. Make sure the location is protected from strong winds and harsh winter weather. Test the soil pH level with a soil pH test kit or send a soil sample to the local extension office for testing. Make sure the soil pH is slightly acid to neutral. The extension office can also test the soil for nutrient levels.

2. 

   Remove the anthers from cut flowers to prevent pollen stains.

   Check the consistency of the soil. Make sure it is organically rich and drains quickly. Improve soil fertility if necessary by adding organic matter such as aged manure, compost and leaf mold. Add shredded pine bark, sand or leaf mold to improve drainage capabilities if the soil is heavy clay. Mix all soil amendments into the soil with a rototiller or dirt shovel until they are well incorporated. A raised flower bed is another option when the soil is heavy clay.

3. 

   Place a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch over the freshly planted bulbs.

   Dig planting holes 4 to 6 inches deep with a dirt shovel or hand shovel. Place the bulbs in the planting holes with the roots facing down and cover them with soil. Plant the oriental lilies in groups of three to five with individual bulbs spaced 1 to 1 1/2 feet apart and multiple groups spaced 4 to 5 feet apart. Water the newly planted bulbs.

4. 

   Oriental lilies are extremely fragrant.

   Place an additional 4 to 6 inches of mulch over the lilies in November in cold-winter climates. Pull the mulch away from the soil directly above them in the spring after the last hard frost. Keep the mulch nearby to cover the sprouting lilies if an unexpected frost is predicted.

5. 

   Give oriental lilies a 5-10-10 or similar fertilizer in the spring.

   Water the lilies in the morning once or twice per week throughout the growing season in cold-winter climates and throughout the entire year in warm winter climates. Water them from below the blooms and foliage, being careful not to splash water on the flowers.

6. 

   Lift the lily bulbs and divide them every three to four years.

   Remove the flowers as they fade but do not remove the stalks. Oriental lilies utilize their stalks and leaves to store energy in their bulbs. Allow the flower stalks and leaves to remain until they yellow and wither naturally.

References

• Missouri Botanical Garden: Lilium 'Miss Lucy'
• Plant Care: The Oriental Lily
• University of Minnesota; Selecting Lilies for Your Garden; Anne M. Hanchek & Jane E. Bolla
• Mississippi State University; Good Drainage Helps Plants Grow