Asiatic lily growing in our Franklin garden
Magnificent Asiatic lilies are a must have in your Nashville garden. Why you might ask? Check out the list below.
- Blooms appear from late spring to mid summer
- Always look great (but spray so dear don’t eat the tops off!)
- Very easy to grow
- Are hybrids so they are very dependable
- Easy to find and purchase
Characteristics of Asiatic Lilies
Botanical Name: Lilium hybrids
Family: Liliaceae
Plant Type: Deciduous perennial (loses leaves in winter)
Average Size: 24-48 inches tall by 12-24 inches wide, depending on variety
Growth Rate: Fast
Leaf: Narrow
Flower: Large flared trumpets, often with contrasting throats or speckles. Some are fragrant.
Origin: Asia
Spacing: Set bulbs 6-12 inches apart
Color: Flowers are white, red, pink, yellow, orange, and many blends and bi-colors
Light: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium after established. Likes water once or twice a week during growing season.
Soil: Fertile, well-drained that has been enriched with organic matter.
Hardiness: Zones 4-9
Propagation: Division
Pest Problems: Root rot in wet soil. Aphids sometimes spread viral diseases, which will cause stunted growth and mottled leaves. Dig up and dispose of infected plants.
Planting and Maintaining Asiatic Lilies
When to plant: Lilies grown in containers can be planted any time. Plant bulbs in late winter to early spring. Plant deeply enough so that the tops of the bulbs are covered with 4-6 inches of soil.
Trimming: Wait until the foliage naturally begins to turn yellow to trim it back to a height that is mostly hidden by the foliage of other plants. After the first freeze, cut off remaining foliage at ground level.
Fertilization: Medium. Fertilize at planting time and each spring with a timed-release fertilizer
Division: Divide only every 4-6 years in early spring. Dig carefully from beneath and immediately separate and replant bulbs.
Staking: Flowers sometimes become so top heavy that they need staking or the will fall over. Plant the stake next to the bulb at planting or during the dormant season, so the stake does not damage the bulb.
As you can see, the Asiatic Lily is a must have for your Nashville garden. Easy and beautiful…can’t get much better than that!
Share with us some of your favorite blooming bulbs..we’d love to see what your growing!
You may also like:
Tips on planting tulips in Tennessee
Tips for planting crocus in Tennessee
Resource: Easy Gardens for the South
