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Wandering Turk's Caps

18 years ago

I have a group of Lilium superbum which I grew from seed about 12 years ago. They are planted in an area where large rocks are used for accent and to break up the planting areas. These plants always seem to want to hide under the rocks. Each year rhey move, and every time it is in the direction of the rocks. After 3 or 4 years, just as they are beginning to reach mature bloom size, the reach a rock and start stunting down as they have to grow out from under it, generally getting distorted in the process. If I move them out, that disturbs them also, and they just start the process again.

Is there any way you can think of to keep these shy guys out in the open so I can get them up to their potential. I have seen them up to 6 feet tall in their prime, but they never get there in my garden.

George

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Comments (3)

hld6
18 years ago
Hi George,

Since L. Superbum is stoloniferous you can't do much about their tendancy to "wander".

I have mostly orientals and trumpets which wander some but not like a stoloniferous lily does. So, here are some ideas - uninformed by actual experience on my part! :)

You could use small shrubs to separate your garden areas rather than rocks. Azaleas would provide spring color, have the same pH requirements as Superbum, and any wandering Superbum could grow up through them (since it's a tall lily).

If you are very fond of having rocks, you could get bigger rocks that can be partially submerged (by 10"-12").

If small boulders aren't a good option for you, you could try placing underground obstructions (such as pavers oriented vertically) between the lilies and your current rocks and see if you could head the stems off before they get underneath. However, depending upon the number and location of the rocks and the size of your garden this could be a LOT of work. (I'm lazy, I'd just get rid of the rocks!)

I'm growing some L.Lankongenese from seed that I'll be planting outside soon. They are also stoloniferous. I'll be planting them next to a garage foundation (so they'll only be able to grow sideways or out). Hopefully they won't grow so far out that they exceed my bed and come up in the yard! If so, I might be trying the "vertical paver" option myself. Or maybe I'll get rid of my lawn!

If you find a solution that works for you, please re-post so we can learn from your experience.

Good Luck,
Helen
hld6
18 years ago
Hi George,

I was leafing through a gardeners catalog at my mom's, saw this, and thought of you. They are selling a product "Root Block" that is used to contain roots. It is 12" deep (so, deep enough for lilies). This should solve your problem if placed between your lilies and places you would prefer they not "wander". Here is the link for information purposes only. I have no connections to the business whatsoever and have not used the product myself - so I can't vouch for it.

http://www.gardeners.com/Shopping/sell.asp?ProdGroupID=20453&DeptPGID=19686&lstCategory=0amp;RecGroupNum=13

-Helen
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Actually, it's 26" deep. (Oops!)

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