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Lily
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Lily
Interesting Facts

There are about 100 species of Lilium, but many garden hybrids also exist. Lillies are endemic to the woody and scrub sites of Europe, Asia south to the Philippines, and North America.

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Lily   Martagon (Lilium)

Up to 40 petite, rosy purple, recurved lilies dangle atop each 5-6' stem. Mark where you plant them, as they are slow to emerge in the spring. Shade tolerant.

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Plant Types: Perennial
Light: Shade to Full Sun
Zones: 3a to 9b
Fertilizer: Miracle-Gro® Shake 'n Feed® Continuous Release All Purpose Plant Food, Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food
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Plant Care
Planting:

Plant bulbs in the Autumn or Spring. Remove any injured bulb tissue and let the bulb callus over in a cool dry place for a few hours before planting. Dig at least 1 ft. of soil, then backfill the now loosened soil so the bulb will be placed at the appropriate height in the soil (planting depths vary amongst the species and varieties).

Plant Growth:

Very diverse genus of plants ranging in size from 1 ft. tall to 9 ft. tall. In climates with cooler Summers, Lilies can withstand full sun exposure. Generally, however, they perform best in filtered sun or afternoon shade.

Blooming:

Lilies are known for their beautiful flowers and have been hybridized fervently since the 1920's. There are several classes of flowers in the Lilium genus including Asiatic hybrids, Aurelian hybrids (Trumpet Lilies), Oriental hybrids and interdivisional hybrids. Many of the Aurelian hybrids have pleasant but strong scents.

Soil and Irrigation:

Lilies rarely go dormant; therefore, they generally require regular water year round. Water when the top 2 inches of soil has dried out. Since many lilies have tall floral stems, it may be best to flood the soil versus using overhead irrigation. Overhead watering can topple tall stems.

Fertilization:

Lilies thrive when given a complete fertilizer (5-10-10 with micronutrients) when growing tips emerge in the spring and again when floral buds show their first signs of color.

Pests:

Lilies are susceptible to viral infections. To remedy viral infections, dig out and destroy and lilies that have mottled leaves or severely stunted growth (if it had recently hailed, mottled leaves and severely stunted growth can most likely be linked to that). Deer, rabbits, groundhogs, and voles consume entire plants. Birds may peck at buds, creating holes. Slugs, snails, and red lily beetles are also problems. Gray mold occurs under wet conditions.