Can you suggest lilies for all summer flower power?

18 years ago

I want to fill a bed with daffodils for the spring, then all lilies for the summer. I know I should have a mix of Asiatics since they bloom around June and then Orientals will pick up where they left off in July...is that right? I JUST attempted this on a way smaller scale -- a pot! I just planted some Lollipops and Muscadets. The lollipops did their thing but I have to say I wasn't wowed. The muscadets on the other hand -- wowzers! They had way more blooms as far as count, the blooms were HUGE with those gorgeous wavy petals and the scent...well, I'm sure you know! Anyhow, I liked how the lilies bloomed at different times so that there was always something to look at and I want a similar effect but on a bigger scale in my new bed. SO, can you offer suggestion for lillies that bloom at different times? (Early Asiatics, late Orientals, a variety I'm missing?) I'm also looking for ones that don't get very tall. I like the shorter-mid range ones best. Not interested in staking. Scent and large flower size is a plus too.

Another question I have is this: what other low growing plants can you suggest planting with the lilies. I would like to plant something to hide those stems and also offer flower power in between the lily blooms. In my containers, I've just interplanted with short annuals. Good idea? Any perennials that would be better?

Finally, if anyone could offer a good lily source, I'd be very appreciative too! I was happy with the Muscadet and Lollipop that I got from Brent and Becky's but I see that they don't have a huge variety in lilies.

Thanks for ANY input you can offer!

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Comments (4)

azngrnthumbs
18 years ago
WOWZERS!!! What a selection there is out there!

I would start by getting yourself a copy of or heading to the website of The Lily Garden. Their new catalog should be out soon.

What's great about their catalog is that it's set up so that the early bloomers are listed first and the later bloomers at the end. They're also seperated by color within the different divisions (Asiatic, Trumpet, Oriental, etc.) What's even more convenient is their listings of recommended varieties that will provide blooms from late May and even up to early September!!

Keep in mind that bloom times vary depending on your region, climate, yada yada yada. But this might be a good start for you to get some ideas and see the diversity of Lilium that exists!

Their quality is excellent and I've gotten to know the owners/breeders as they've supported my efforts in hybridizing and micropropagating lilies. Very generous folks that have been in the business for many years.

Drool over their selections and let us know what catches your eye. They're a tad pricey on some varieties through as some are exclusive to them, but some others you could easily find through other cheaper, but reliable sources.

Best of luck!

Riz

Here is a link that might be useful: The Lily Garden
Noni Morrison
18 years ago
I would sugest adding several more kind of lilies to your patch. LA hybrid lilies bloom much longer and stronger then the asiatics. The orienpet lilies are total WOW!s...if you want to stick to pink try "American Dream" Then ORientals--there are early bloomers, mid bloomers and late bloomers..ending up with white and pink rubrum lilies which bloom for me in late Aug and into Sept. I have some Longiflorum, oriental cross blooming now that has been blooming for a month...it is palepink with orange centered small trumpets. IT looks like a sunrise or a delicious kkind of fruit and bears many flowers. I think mine are in their 3rd summer now and I have forgotten the name of this one.
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dunwaukin
18 years ago
Martagons are the earliest - you should be able to get bloom early June. They do take a while to settle in, so the bulb may be in your garden a year or two before it gets going. They are very dainty and pretty. Some have an odour, not quite the same scent as the trumpets, and not as overwhelming.

Huchera and hucherella are nice in the lily bed. Hostas, pick a variety that does well in full sun. Just remember that with the perennials to keep them a little distance from your bulbs, as you will need to dig and separate your bulbs every ~3 - 4 yrs. .
pardalinum
18 years ago
The early orientals are the dwarf ones: Mona Lisa, Elfin Delight, The Rascals group (if you can find them, they are labeled as Mr. Ed, Mr. Sam, and other Misters; also Miss Rio and perhaps other Misses, I just don't recall them all). These dwarfs grow no more than 2 or 3 feet at the most and don't need staking. In my garden they bloom a good 3 weeks and more ahead of the full height orientals. As LizaLily suggested, a variety having different genetic backgrounds is best with respect to stretching bloom time and also varying the "look" of the lilies. Consider trumpets for fragrance and disease resistance but avoid the very tall ones if that is your desire (example: "Pink Perfection).

Can you suggest lilies for all summer flower power?

Comments (4)

azngrnthumbs

Noni Morrison

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