Hardy lily is the term used to encompass all of the Lilium species of flowers. Hardy lilies come in a wide range of flower colors, flower shapes, bloom times and height size, but their growing needs are all the same.
Soil Needs
Hardy lilies need moist, well-drained soil that is in a sunny location. Add compst or other organic matter to the soil before planting.
Planting Location
An old adage pertaining to lilies will help choose the right planting location for hardy lilies – Lilies like their heads in the sun and feet in shade.
Shade the hardy lilies feet with a thick layer of organic mulch or by interplanting low growing annuals and perennials with the lily bulbs.
Bulbs Or Plants
Hardy lily bulbs or potted plants can be planted directly into prepared garden soil. For bulbs, dig planting holes to a depth that is three times the bulbs height and space the planting holes 10 inches apart. Hardy lilies multiply quickly and will fill in the gaps in a few growing seasons.
When using lily plants, get them into the soil as soon as possible after purchase and space 18 inches apart.
Fertilize, Stake And Deadhead
All hardy lily varieties need an application of a balanced, granulated fertilize in the spring. Broadcast the fertilize around the lilies, being careful not to let the fertilize touch them.
Some varieties of hardy lilies grow very tall ( up to 10 feet) and will need to be staked to keep their flowers upright.
Deadhead the flowers as they fade, but leave the lily stem intact until it turns yellow. The plant’s foliage provides energy to the lily bulbs for next season’s growth and blooms.
Flower Shapes, Colors And Bloom Time
Hardy lilies have several bloom shapes: Trumpet, funnel, bowl, flat-faced and recurved blooms all add to the appealing beauty of hardy lilies.
Flower colors range from solid color to bi-colored and speckled: White, yellow, orange, pink and red. Yellow centered lilies with white petals, deep pink petals trimmed with white or orange petals with black specks are some of the more widely known lily colors.
Bloom time depends upon the variety of hardy lilies that are planted. Lily blloms can be enjoyed from spring through fall by planting different varieties and staggering the bloom times.
Division
Hardy lilies “clump” underground and will need to be divided when the clump gets too thick. Dig up the entire root clump in fall, separate the bulbous clump and replant the bulbs in different locations.
It’s necessary to divide the clumps periodically to prevent the hardy lilies from crowding each other, which would limit air circulation and promote disease.
Hardy lilies are aptly named. They are a hardy species of flower that require very little help from the gardener. Well drained soil in a location that keeps their head in the sun and feet in the shade, a once a year feeding and an occasional division will keep hardy lilies thriving and blooming for many years.
