Year of the Lily

Lilies, a testament to nature’s artistry, boast a long and storied history.

Overview and History

Originating in various parts of the Northern Hemisphere, lilies have adorned myths and traditions for thousands of years. In ancient Greek mythology, these flowers were believed to have sprung from the milk of the goddess Hera, symbolizing purity and renewal. Similarly, in Christian iconography, lilies are often associated with the Virgin Mary, representing purity, virtue, and the divine.

One reason they’ve managed to thrive and adapt for such a lengthy period is closely tied to their captivating reproductive strategy. These flowers have a unique floral structure that facilitates cross-pollination by attracting pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. The intricate shapes, vibrant colors, and alluring scents of lily flowers have evolved to ensure successful reproduction through pollination, contributing to their incredible resilience and diversity.

Basic Types of Lily

There are about 100+ species in the genus Lilium. Besides variations in appearance, each of them differs slightly concerning ease of growing, bloom time, sunshine need, and more.

Many plants have lily in their name that are not true lilies and members of the genus Lilium. These include day lily, water lily, peace lily, calla lily, canna lily, lily of the valley, and many, many more.

Popular Lily Variety/Series Names

A Complete Growing Guide for Lilies in Your Garden

1. Choosing the Right Location for Lilies
   • These bulbs thrive in well-draining soil and prefer to receive partial sunlight throughout the day.
   • Most love the sun, and six hours or more is necessary. Remember the adage, “head in the sun, feet in the shade.” To keep their roots cool, plant them with low-growing annuals, perennials, or grasses.
   • Zones 5-8 are ideal for most lilies. Some are hardy and can tolerate some chill, but not the heat found in the higher zones.
   • Drainage is a critical issue for these bulbs. They like to be planted in a berm or raised bed so water drains away from the bulbs.
2. Planting Your Lilies
   • Plant bulbs in the fall or early spring, before the ground freezes or becomes too warm.
     • If planting in the fall, spread a thick winter mulch to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
     • Mulch also inhibits eager sprouts from poking up too early in the spring and getting nipped by frost.
   • Space the bulbs approximately 8-12″ apart, depending on how full you would like the garden to look.
   • Plant bulbs with the pointed end facing up.
   • The general rule of thumb for planting depth is to cover the bulb with soil that’s about three times its height.
   • Lilies look best and make the most impact when planted in clusters of three or more.
3. Proper Lily Watering
   • Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
   • Water deeply and less frequently, rather than shallow and often, to encourage strong root growth.
4. Fertilizing Lilies
   • Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring when new growth starts. A complete formula such as 10-10-10 works well, remember to apply it throughout the season in smaller feedings too.
   • Avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth and fewer flowers.
   • Always water thoroughly after fertilizing.
   • Nitrogen is needed when the green leaves are growing rapidly, and phosphorus and potassium later for bloom and bulb production.
5. Benefits of mulching Lilies
   • Keeps the soil cool and loose, and also discourages weeds.
6. When to stake your Lilies
   • Tall varieties might require staking to support the heavy blooms and prevent them from bending or breaking.
   • Place stakes at the time of planting to avoid spearing the bulb. Then, tie the stems naturally and gracefully to the stake, careful not to make them too tight.
7. Deadheading Lilies
   • Remove faded flowers to encourage the plant to put energy into bulb development.
8. Fall Lily Cleanup
   • When stalks have yellowed or completely dried, cut them back or cautiously pull them out, careful not to remove the bulb with them.
   • Old stems should be cleared away before winter.
9. Overwintering your Lilies
   • Mulch over the bulbs in colder climates to protect them from extreme temperatures.
   • In spring, remove the mulch gradually as the weather warms up. Keep this mulch to the side and available just in case a cold snap approaches, mulch can easily be spread out to protect the young plants.
10. Wildlife and Lilies
    • Deer and rabbits are known to find the foliage, stems, and buds quite appealing.
    • Consider planting onions and garlic around the perimeter or using deer and rabbit-resistant fencing and repellent sprays.
11. Lilies as Cut Flowers
    • Increase lilies’ vase life and avoid a sticky mess by removing the pollen found on the anthers. Use gloves or a wet paper towel to remove them and avoid staining your hands. Aim to remove the pollen before it matures and starts to become powdery. It’s best to catch the pollen when the buds are just beginning to open.
    • If some pollen falls on your clothing, resist the temptation to rub it. Rubbing will only push the pollen deeper into the fabric. Use a pipe cleaner or sticky tape to gently brush the surface and lift the pollen off the fabric. Apply stain remover and wash the garment.
12. Lily Bulbs Toxicity
    • Some lily species like Asiatic Lily, Easter Lily, Stargazer lily, and Oriental lily are toxic to cats

Learn more from our Ask The Experts About Lilies Webinar

Learn more about Lilies

• A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Lilies: From Bulb to Bloom by National Garden Bureau
• The Best Flowers for Homegrown Bouquets by National Garden Bureau
• Savor a Scent-sational Garden with Fragrant Plants by National Garden Bureau
• Grow Your Own Scent Garden by National Garden Bureau
• How to Have Lovely Lilies in Bloom All Summer Long by Brent and Becky’s
• Doubly Dazzling: Lily Bulb of the Year Shines Twice in a Radiant Spotlight by Flowerbulb.eu
• Lilies in the garden by Flowerbulb.eu

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The National Garden Bureau recognizes and thanks the human experts at Eden Brothers, an NGB member, as the author and contributor to this fact sheet. 

This fact sheet is provided as an educational service of the National Garden Bureau. There are no limitations on the use. Please credit National Garden Bureau, and link to this page, when using all or parts of this article or referencing the Year of the program.

Each state in the U.S. has its own list of invasive species. Before trying a new plant in your garden, refer to the USDA’s National Invasive Species Information website or check with local agencies such as an Extension specialist.

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