CHARM OF LILIES

Evening Star, Issue 22026, 11 May 1935, Page 3

CHARM OF LILIES

CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS The autumn is the best time for planting most df the lilies, although this is a general statement, as all lilies do not have the same habits. A lily'in full growth is performing two functions —developing, by means of the stem, its flowers, and, by means of the basal roots, the bulb for nest year’s growth. It requires as much attention to its needs below the ground as above (says the Auckland. ‘Herald’s’ gardening contributor). Lilies do not all have the same root action; some make two sets of roots, one from the base of the bulb and the other front the bottom of the stem; while others produce roots froni the base of the bulb only. These last must bo well established before they can flower with any degree of success. Unless they are well rooted the stem has nothing to draw from and feed on except the bulb, which naturally suffers. Those that have two root systems may bo planted at almost any time, for as soon as the stem is some 6in high roots spring from its base and grow with exceeding vigour, supporting the stems in their development almost independently of the bulb. I have often noticed when lifting Lilium auratum that those bulbs with plenty of basal roots had new well-formed bulb growth, whereas when the basal root growth was absent the bulb had flowered by means of the stem roots, and then collapsed The Martagons, L. chalcedouicum, L. sovitziannum, L, dalmaticum, L. humboldtii, and others of a similar character produce only basal roots. 1 The root action commences about April, and continues throughout the winter. They should, therefore be lifted before much new root actioii has taken place, being replanted as soon as possible. If lifted later the roots get damaged or dried, and the bulbs receive a serihus check. There is no doubt that the late plantig of'Martagon lilies, after root action has been checked, is frequently the cause of their failure the first season.

Species with two root actions—namely, Urabellatum, Thunbergianum, Brownii, Batemanniae, lougiflorum. speciosum, .tigrimim, and Henryii—do not make sfKih strong basal roots and do not,require as much care on being lifted, nor is it necessary to lift them so early. They may be planted ip autumn or early spring without experiencing any serious check. The stem roots of these lilies are/one might infer, the main support of the flower stem, providing it with nourishment independent of the bulb. It is most important that these stem roots should be kept cool and moist, especially of potgrown. If they once become scorched by the sun the stem suffers, the leaves go yellow and drop off, and frequently the whole plant succumbs. That popular lily, L. regale, probably occupies first place with everyone. It is one of the stem rooters, and so easily grown that it is produced in large quantities. It is not particular as to soil, and will thrive equally well in light or heavy soils with or without lime. When grown under glass for early work the flowers are white or nearly white, but out of doors they are streaked with brown and shaded oink, the inside being flushed with yellow.