MADONNA OR CHRISTMAS LILIES.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 December 1929, Page 16

MADONNA OR CHRISTMAS LILIES.

AND THEIR CULTIVATION.

CCcnsider the lilies how they grow.

They toil not, neither do they spin,” Nothing can equal the Christmas or Madonna Lily (Lilium Candidum) for hardy bulbs are easily grown under normal conditions, if the following instructions are observed: — Plant the bulbs during the months of July and August in a partially-shad-ed position. They require sonig sun, but do better if shaded from the hot rays during the midday. One cannot lay down fast rules as to their planting situation, as the same lily may flourish equally well under a totally different aspect; but when found in their native state, are always growing within the shade of trees and on \vooded hillsides. Any good garden soil will suit L. Candidum providing it is well dug. and has good drainage. Place the bulb about three times its own depth, in a mixture of leafy soil and sand. The sand often prevents the attack of worms and insects. Once the bulbs begin to show above the ground continual hoeing of the surface will prevent the soil from becoming hard and set. Sometimes canker disease attacks the bulbs. This is generally caused through too much wet. As soon as they begin to throw up the flower spikes, care should be taken to protect them from severe winds, and occasional staking may be required. The flowers may be picked when in bud, and will open up in water. The buds open from, the bottom, and the stem may be kept for weeks with repeatedly changing the water, and picking off the withered blooms, thus allowing the buds to mature fully.