Credit: Pixabay

During the fall season, many gardeners are busy planting popular spring-flowering bulbs such as narcissus, tulips and hyacinths. The fact is that fall also is a good time to plant lilies. These "true" lilies are different from the other spring bulbs or several other plants with the word lily in their common name such as daylily, lily-of-the-valley, or blackberry lily.

Lilies are prized for their large, dramatic, and often fragrant blossoms that add height and vibrant color to outdoor spaces. (Credit: Wikipedia)

Prized for their striking color and delightful fragrance, lilies add vertical elegance to gardens while using minimal ground space. Properly planted and cared for, these resilient perennials return year after year, offering continuous summer blooms while attracting helpful pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds

Lilies have a rich history spanning over 4,000 years, originating in ancient Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean where they were cultivated for food, medicine, and ornamentation. The earliest known visual record of the flower is a fresco from around 1580 BC found on the island of Crete.

Throughout antiquity, various cultures wove lilies into their mythology and traditions. For example, the ancient Greeks believed white lilies sprang from the breast milk of the queen of gods, Hera while the Romans associated them with Venus, goddess of love.

The Madonna lily is a pure white flower that has held deep religious, cultural and medical significance for over 4,000 years. (Credit: Pixabay)

In Christianity, the white Madonna lily became an enduring symbol of the Virgin Mary's purity and was depicted in many religious works of art. Later, during the Victorian era, botanists actively traveled the globe to discover and breed new varieties, cementing the flower's status as a timeless global favorite in art, folklore, and gardens.

The number of lily species and cultivars is quite large, yet there are some that are more popular than others. Among these are Asiatic lily, Oriental lily, tiger lily, royal (regale) lily, and strains of Aurelian (trumpet) lily such as African queen, golden splendor, Beijing moon, pink perfection, and lady Alice. The range of size, color and form of lily seems almost endless.

Following is a list of lily divisions provided by the North American Lily Society:

• Division 1. Asiatic Hybrids—Early-blooming, very hardy, and the easiest to grow. They have a massive color palette but little to no scent. (Example: Orange Summer).
• Division 2. Martagon Hybrids—Notable for whorled leaves and producing numerous small, downward-facing blossoms with swept-back petals. They thrive in shade. (Example: Turk's Cap).
• Division 3. Candidum Hybrids—Mostly derived from European species, they feature large, highly fragrant blooms white with a yellow base. They are becoming less common in modern trade. (Example: Madonna Lily).
• Division 4. American Hybrids—Hybrids developed from wild lilies native to North America. They often bloom from late spring to midsummer, depending on the climate. (Example: Tiger Lily).
• Division 5. Longiflorum Hybrids—Elegant, classic trumpet-shaped, pure white flowers with a sweet, mild fragrance. They are staple flowers for spring holiday displays. (Example: Easter Lily).
• Division 6. Trumpet & Aurelian Hybrids—Stately, tall plants with massive, waxy, trumpet-shaped flowers. They are intensely sweet-scented and bloom mid-to-late summer. (Example: African Queen).
• Division 7. Oriental Hybrids—Renowned for oversized, upright, star-shaped flowers (up to 10 inches across) and a heavy, intoxicating fragrance. They bloom late in the season. (Example: Stargazer).
• Division 8. Interdivisional Hybrids—Modern hybrids created by combining elements of Divisions 1 through 7. They blend the best traits of different classes, like the vibrant color of Asiatics with the fragrance of Longiflorums. (Example: Longiflorum-Asiatic hybrids).
• Division 9. Species—The pure, wild, un-hybridized ancestors of all the previous eight groups. They are delicate, highly unique, and often more challenging to cultivate. (Example: Lilium superbum).

Aurelian lilies are highly prized by gardeners and florists for their architectural grandeur, intoxicating fragrance, and superior hardiness. (Credit: Pixabay)

Unlike spring-flowering bulbs, lilies are never completely dormant and must be handled carefully when they are not in the soil. Moisture is lost quickly from these bulbs, and wilted bulbs lead to poor growth and few, if any, flowers. Lilies may be planted in fall any time before the ground freezes. The exception to the preceding is the Madonna lily which must be planted in late summer or very early fall to give it ample time to develop top growth before cold weather arrives.

The natural habitat for lilies generally is on sloping round in association with other low-growing plants. The latter may provide some shade for the bulb and root system. Lilies survive best only in locations where drainage is excellent. The plants themselves need sunlight, but the bulbs need to be shaded by low-growing plants or mulch to keep them cool.

Proper soil preparation is crucial for growing healthy lilies, as they require loose, fertile, and exceptionally well-draining ground to prevent bulb rot. No amount of care, fertilizer, watering or pampering can make up for poor soil.

Start by loosening the existing soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches to give lilies' deep root system plenty of room to expand. Incorporate a thick layer of organic matter (e.g. compost, leaf mold, or aged manure) to naturally improve soil structure and boost nutrients. Since lilies prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 6.5, sulfur can be added to lower the pH or lime to raise it if a soil test shows extreme levels.

Additionally, the correct planting technique is essential for giving lilies a strong start and ensuring vibrant blooms. The growth habit of most lilies, in addition to the bulbs of fleshy scales, is a stem that develops roots on the portion that is beneath the soil. Therefore, relatively deep planting is important. Begin with digging a hole that is two to three times deeper than the height of the bulb, which generally translates to planting them six to eight inches deep. This deep planting keeps the bulbs cool during hot summer days and provides structural support for the tall stems.

Place the bulb in the hole with its pointed end facing upward and its roots spreading downward. Space individual bulbs eight to twelve inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and future growth. Once positioned, fill the hole with soil, press down gently to eliminate any large air pockets, and water the area thoroughly to settle the ground around the roots.

Although lilies require well-drained soil, adequate amounts of water are needed for them to thrive in the garden. Pictured is 'Stargazer' a popular Oriental lily. (Credit: National Garden Bureau)

Caring for lilies after planting focuses on consistent moisture, nutrition, and structural support to ensure healthy growth. Water the area deeply once a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but never waterlogged to prevent root rot. Apply a two-inch layer of organic mulch, like shredded bark, to keep the roots cool, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. When green shoots emerge in the spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer such as 10-10-10, and repeat the application right before the flowers open. As the plants grow, install stakes for taller varieties to prevent strong winds from toppling the flower stems. Finally, immediately remove faded blooms to prevent seed production, which redirects the plant's energy back into the bulb for next year's growth.

In closing, planting lilies brings a deeply rewarding rhythm to the garden, transforming ordinary beds into showcases of dramatic elegance and vibrant color. Beyond their visual and aromatic beauty, the triumph of successfully overwintering these hardy bulbs and seeing them return each year, larger and more bountiful, grounds a gardener in the patient, beautiful cycles of nature.