Spring Planted Lilies

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22819, 28 August 1937, Page 10 (Supplement)

Spring Planted Lilies

TT is generally accepted that tho autumn planting of lilies is good practice, but, like all generalisations, it leaves much unsaid. The best growers assert that spring planting is much to be preferred to autumn planting, especially in prospect of much wet weather. Th-3 , best time for spring planting is during mild dry weather in August. The ground should be in good condition, not too sticky or wet. Positions in regard to sun or shade may be roughly gauged by tho width of. tho stem leaves; tho narrower the leaf the more light tho species of lily will stand.

Never plant lilies in a windy or draughty place; where the drainage is not too good it is advisable to plant in a raised bed and water during dry periods. Use no fresh manure, but mix plenty of leafsoil and sand with tho soil, and also surround the bulbs with coarse sand. Lastly, mark or label tho individual clumps or individual bulbs so that you know where to expect the shoots and so avoid them in hoeing. All lilies with bulbs of wine purple colouring may safely bo planted in spring. Among them are the rare and difficult L. centifolium, the popular and indispensable rcgalo, Sargentiae and the stately sulphureuin. Sulphureum is rather late in flowering, so solect a warm corner where autumn gales will not damage it. L. Henryii grows well in the sun, but tho soft orange flowers "burn," so it is much better in positions shaded from mid-day sun in February.