Giant Lilies - Bulb

These oriental trumpet lily bulbs can be planted in spring or autumn. Choose a spot next to a fence or at the back of the border in full sun or part shade. Prepare a large planting hole and plant the bulbs roots down, 12-15 cm deep and 10 cm apart. Water well after planting. The oriental trumpet lily thrives in loose, humus rich soil. Improve poor soil with a mix of garden compost and fertiliser pellets. These bulbs can remain in the same spot for many years. They are perfectly hardy and will flower year after year every spring, getting bigger and bigger every year! It is best to treat these lilies as perennials!

Thanks to their stems these lilies also grow well in flower pots and planters. Try filling a whole planter or pot with these magnificent lilies - place the bulbs about 10 cm apart - or create an unusual mix with several of the lily bulbs and with Callistephus (China Aster) which have a much lower growing habit.

These lilies (Lilium orientalis) consist of new, very tall, oriental lilies. Their stems are strong but will appreciate some help from you in the form of a support. The flower colours range from white to yellow, salmon pink to dusky pink and purple. Did you know that the lily is the symbol of peace? There are many gorgeous, garden varieties of Lilium. Lilies make wonderful cut flowers, quickly filling the living room with a gorgeous fragrance. Be sure to plant a group of lilies in your flower garden. To avoid pollen stains whilst cutting the lilies, make sure the anthers of the flower are facing away from you.

You should regularly add fertiliser to the irrigation water during the flowering period of your oriental lily. Cover the bulbs in the winter with a layer of fallen leaves to protect them from severe frost. Store potted lily bulbs in a frost-free place over winter. Lilies can suffer from the lily beetle which is bright red in colour, the grubs are yellow. To prevent them from eating the leaves and other arterial parts of the lily, remove the beetles, eggs or grubs and destroy them.

Oriental lilies love to face the sun, but it is important to keep their ‘feet’ cool. For this to be achieved, plant low growing plants around the lilies to protect the soil. Don't place your pot of lilies in complete sunshine! Choose a sheltered spot with sufficient day time sun.