LILIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 17, 21 January 1933, Page 6 (Supplement)

LILIES.

Lilies are probably the most beautiful of all bulbous plants, their} stately habit, variously coloured flowers, and—in many cases—delightful perfume make them indispensable for greenhouse and border docoration. Nearly all .the Bpecies are hardy in well-drained soils. Light, deep, rich, and thoroughly well-drained soils in partially shaded positions, sheltered from rough winds, are generally requisite, a compost of loam and leafmould, with enough charcoal or sharp sand to insure porosity, being specially desirable. Some few kinds, such as the common white garden lily (L. candidum 1 ) thrive in heavy loams. Some are lime lovers, while to others it is simply poison. L. candidum, L. testaceum, ■L. martagon, L. pomponium, L. pyrenacium and L. m-onadelphum all req.uire lime.

The best time Tor planting outside is soon after the flowers are over, for the lily although commonly termed a "bulbous" plant actually only has a contracted stem closely covered with fleshy scale leaves forming the so-called "bulb." If exposed to the drying influence of the air for long these scale leaves shrivel and the tfulb suffers in consequence. Hence to get the best results the roots should be lifted and replanted within a few days. ' It should also be noted that the thick, fleshy roots at the base of the root stock are as important to the well being of the plant as roots are to any ordinary herbaceous plant. The depth of planting also varies. Varieties such as regale, auratum, speciosum, tigrinum, longiflorum do not like lime, are stem rooting and need to be planted up to twelve inches deep. During the growing season plenty of water is required, but during the resting season the less water that remains around the roots the better. Do not cut

off the foliage until it be thoroughly ripened. The plants may remain undisturbed for years before being raised, parted, and replanted in fresh ground. For pot culture, as early in autumn or winter as the bulbs can be obtained, partially cover them sijjgly in welldrained. pots about half-filled with light soil, placing a little pounded charcoal under the base and round the scales of each bulb. A light syringing will occasionally be necessary to supply moisture until roots are formed and topgrowth commences, when the pots should be filled up. If a shift becomes necessary, repot the bulbs deeply. Supply liquid manure towards flowering time, but discontinue the applications as the blossoms expand. Abundant watef and air must be admitted when growth is fairly started. Eipen off the plants in the open air, a cool shed or under the benches after flowering; repot in autumn, and store for the winter in a cool, moderately dry place. *