CARING FOR LILIES

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30936, 17 December 1965, Page 6

CARING FOR LILIES

Undoubtedly at Christmas time some of the most sought-after blooms for decorations are those of the so-called “Christmas lilies,” Liiium longifiorum and more particularly its forms and strains.

The photograph shows one such strain, Liiium longiflorum, “Dutch Glory,” often simply referred to as “Dutch Glory Bulb.” It is an exceptionally pure white which blooms proliflcally and has the characteristic strong, almost overpowering scent one associates with lilies. Although the various lilies require differing growing conditions, satisfactory growth and flowering can be had from most of them, with a little care. Drainage is particularly important and Inadequacy in this direction must be rectified before planting or else one should not attempt to grow them. However, moisture during the growing season is essential and to this end the incorporation in the soil of ample organic matter is recommended.

A sawdust mulch, or the Incorporation of leaf mould in the top soil will also help to conserve moisture during the summer months when the soil is likely to dry out Lighter soils, tending to be more acid and thus suitable for growing lilies in conjunction with such plants as ericas, rhododendrons and azaleas, are preferable to heavier land. Really heavy soil is unsuitable. Positions subjected to extremes of conditions should also be avoided. Provided a cool root run is given lilies will tolerate full snn without trouble.

Bulbs should be left in situ until they are either deteriorating or beginning to get over crowded.

If transplanting do so as soon as the tops have died down after flowering and, whether transplanting er putting in new bulbs, do so with the minimsun of delay to avoid letting them dry out. It should also be remembered that Illy bulbs are never dormant, which is another reaaen why they should be planted quickly. Depth of planting depend’s on the rooting habits of the respective lilies. Stem-reoting types

such as Liiium henry! or Liiium davldli should be planted between five and eight inches. Stem or base rooting lilies require three to four Inches of soil cover. Liiium candldum is one exception to the above rules; It produces a rosette of leaves at ground level and should therefore be planted at or near ground

level, depending on the type of soil—deeper for lighter soils. To avoid damaging the scales—lilies are imbricated bulbs—great care should be taken at all times when handling. Lilium c a n d i d u m should be planted in January. All other lilies may be planted between March and May.