Introduction of the Lily
The lily is a beautiful flowering plant that lends a distinctive charm and elegance to the garden. It has a haloed past and plays the role of a link to ancient cultures that placed it on a pedestal. Horticulturists, with patient care, have grown many hybrids today that bear spectacular flowers with lovely fragrances.

Genus and Natural History of the Lily
The word 'lily' means white and its Latin name is Lilium. Lilium is the genus that consists of some eighty different species. It belongs to the family Liliaceae.
They are perennial herbs.

The life cycle of the lily is the same as other plants that are monocotyledons. Food and water are stored in bulbs. Their pollination is by insects, birds, and arachnids.

Historically, the lily's tale is more than 3000 years old. In the ancient cradles of civilization, it symbolized sanctity, eternal love, tenderness, fertility, purity and abundance. The Greeks believed that it was from their Goddess Hera's milk that the lily was born. The Romans said that their Goddess Venus was so jealous of the beauty of the lily that she gave it a long and unattractive pistil. The Minoans of Crete, the Jews and Christians have given it an exalted status in their literature. The Medicis of Italy and the kings of France had the lily on their coat of arms, the latter believing it to be gift from an angel. Greek brides wear a crown of lilies accentuated with ears of wheat as symbols of purity and fertility. Lilies were believed to have healing properties and were widely used to treat rheumatism, depressions, burns and sores.

It was Alexander von Humboldt, the well -known naturalist, who gave a scientific description of the lily to biologists.

Description and Popular Types of Lilies
A lily looks like a trumpet, has six petals, and is sweet smelling. It blooms in colors of white, yellow and red. The leaves are narrow and long, with longitudinal veins. Some varieties have broad leaves with stalks.

The lily is a native of the northern temperate zone. They grow in Europe, Asia, The United States and Canada. The hybrids grow in subtropical regions too. They are good as potted plants, as borders, for patios and outdoors and as ornamental flowers for florists.
There are many popular varieties.
L.bulbiferum, the Orange lily, is a European native.
The L.candidum, the Madonna Lily, blooms in June in vivid colors of yellow, orange and red and is speckled.
L.lancifolium, the Tiger lily, produces glamorous orange colored flowers.
L.longiflorum, the Easter lily, is a fragrant, trumpet shaped flower.
L.pardalinum, the Panther lily, grows in California, is red in color and flowers resemble Turk caps. It blooms in July.
L.speciosum, the Japanese lily, ranges from white to pink in color. It is a late flowering species.
L.regale, the Regal lily, native of western China, is an attractive blend of white and yellow insides with purple on the outside.

Tips on Planting Lilies
The right time to plant bulbs is very early winter. In cold climates, they can be grown in the open. In warmer climates to keep bulbs cool, mulch can be spread around the plant.

Soil preparation for the Lily
A well draining soil enriched with compost, animal manure, and prescribed doses of a complete fertilizer will be ideal for growing bulbs.

Planting Lilies in Your Garden
Lilies need deep soil for the bulbs. The depth of the hole for planting a bulb has to be twice the latter's size. Placing a piece of charcoal at the base of the bulb can apparently aid in better growth and flowering. Bulbs can be planted 6-8'' apart.

Growing Lilies
During the growing period, apply once a month a complete fertilizer. This has to be maintained right until flowering time. Plenty of water is required after fertilizing. Pests can be repelled with a eucalyptus insecticide at the time of growth.

Lily Flowering season
From late spring to early autumn is the flowering season. Tall flowers must be protected with stakes. When flowers are cut, it is better to leave some stem on the plant to aid bulbs in food production.

After Lilies Flower
When flowering is over, remove stalks. Bulbs of the lily must be replanted quickly in the soil in the early days of winter. This is important for the growing cycle of the plant to continue. The soil has to be enriched with compost, the required amount of fertilizer and animal manure. Lily bulbs need not to be lifted and stored every year.

Propagation of Lilies
Bulbs can be divided to start new plants.
Outer leaves from bulbs can be 'started' by placing them in shallow trays filled with peat moss. When bulblets grow, transplanting can be done. These bulblets will bloom in two years.
Lilies can be propagated by seed and also by adventitious bulbs grown on stems.

Lilies in the garden are a feast for the eyes and spirit.

If you like lilies....These pages might also interest you:

Allium Directory, Amaryllis Directory, Begonia Directory, Crocus Directory, Daffodils Directory, Dahlia Directory, Hyacinth Directory, Iris Directory, Lily Directory, Tulip Directory