The lily flower is some of the most enchanting flowers you can grow in your garden. With their elegant blooms and captivating fragrance, they’ve earned their place as a garden favorite for centuries. These versatile beauties work wonderfully in borders, containers, and make spectacular cut flowers that can transform any room. From the bold colors of Asiatic lilies to the intoxicating scent of Orientals, there’s a lily flower for every garden style. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to grow lilies successfully in your garden, no matter where you live.
Understanding Lilies
True lilies belong to the genus Lilium and grow from bulbs with fleshy, overlapping scales. These perennial plants produce tall stems with striking trumpet or bowl-shaped flowers that come in an amazing array of colors. While many plants have “lily” in their common name, not all are true lilies. Daylilies (Hemerocallis), water lilies (Nymphaea), and peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) may share the name, but they’re entirely different plants with different growing needs.
The lily flower family is diverse, with several popular types that gardeners love: Asiatic lilies bloom early in the season with upward or outward-facing flowers and little to no fragrance. Oriental lilies, which bloom mid to late summer, are known for their powerful, sweet fragrance and large, showy blooms. Orienpets (also called OT hybrids) combine the best qualities of Oriental and trumpet lilies, creating sturdy plants with enormous, fragrant flowers. Trumpet lilies feature elegant, trumpet-shaped blooms with a sweet scent, while Easter lilies are most commonly sold as potted plants for spring holidays.
Each type of lily flower has its own unique characteristics, but they all share that unmistakable lily silhouette that adds vertical interest and elegant beauty to any garden space.
Choosing the Right Lily Flower for Your Garden
Selecting the right lily for your garden isn’t just about picking the prettiest color – though that’s certainly part of the fun! First, consider your climate zone. Most lilies thrive in USDA zones 4-9, but some varieties are more cold-hardy than others. Asiatic lilies tend to be the most cold-tolerant (down to zone 3), while Oriental lilies generally need more protection in very cold regions.
EXPERT TIP: When choosing lilies for your garden, match the variety to your climate zone and growing conditions. Cold-hardy Asiatic lilies thrive in colder zones, while Oriental lilies may need extra protection in frigid climates
When browsing lily flower varieties, pay attention to their mature height, which can range from petite 18-inch plants to towering 6-foot specimens. Think about where you’ll plant them and choose accordingly. Consider bloom time too – by selecting early, mid, and late-season lilies, you can enjoy continuous blooms from early summer through fall.
Fragrance is another important factor. Some lilies, particularly Orientals and trumpets, have a powerful sweet scent that can fill an entire garden. While this might be wonderful for outdoor spaces, it can sometimes be overwhelming in small indoor areas as cut flowers.
Different types of lily flowers also have varying growing requirements. Asiatic lilies are the easiest for beginners, adapting to most soil types and requiring minimal care. Oriental lilies prefer slightly acidic soil and need more consistent moisture. Trumpet lilies need excellent drainage and protection from strong winds due to their height. By matching the lily flower type to your garden conditions and your level of gardening experience, you’ll set yourself up for success.
PRACTICAL TIP: For continuous blooms throughout the summer and fall, select lilies with varying bloom times (early, mid, and late-season). This way, you’ll enjoy a long-lasting floral display in your garden.
Planting Lilies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Timing is everything when it comes to planting lilies. Spring and fall are your best bets, with most gardeners finding that early fall gives lilies a head start on developing strong roots before winter sets in. Get your bulbs in the ground about 3-4 weeks before the first hard frost, but you can also plant in spring once the soil has warmed up a bit.
Before you even think about planting, take some time to find the perfect spot in your garden. Lilies love sunlight but their roots prefer to stay cool. The sweet spot is where they get morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Most lily flowers need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to bloom properly, so don’t tuck them too far into the shadows.
The soil is probably more important than you realize. Lilies absolutely need well-draining soil – they’ll rot if their feet stay wet for too long. Mix in plenty of compost and some coarse sand when planting. The ideal pH varies slightly depending on the type, but most lilies are happiest in slightly acidic to neutral soil (6.0 to 7.0 pH). If your soil is heavy clay, consider creating raised beds or mounding the soil to improve drainage.
When it’s time to actually plant the lily flower bulbs, dig holes about 3 times as deep as the height of the bulb. For most lilies, this works out to about 4-6 inches deep, but larger varieties might need deeper homes. Space the bulbs about 8-12 inches apart to give them room to spread over the years.
PRACTICAL TIP: Sprinkle some bone meal in the bottom of the hole before placing the bulb – it gives them a nice nutrient boost as they establish.
Place the bulb in the hole with the pointy side facing up. Some lily flower bulbs develop roots along their stem, so those types benefit from being planted a bit deeper than others. After positioning the bulb, backfill with soil and water thoroughly but gently.
For container planting, the rules change slightly. Choose pots at least 12 inches deep with good drainage holes. Terracotta pots work wonderful for lilies since they allow excess moisture to escape. Fill with a high-quality potting mix mixed with a bit of perlite for drainage. You can place multiple bulbs in one container, but don’t crowd them – leave about 6 inches between each flower.
Care and Maintenance for Healthy Lilies
Watering lily flowers correctly might seem simple, but it’s where many gardeners go wrong. These beauties need consistent moisture, especially during active growth and flowering, but they hate soggy conditions. Water deeply once a week in normal conditions, more during hot spells, and always direct the water at soil level to keep the foliage dry. Wet leaves can lead to fungal problems that are a real headache to deal with.
When it comes to feeding, lilies aren’t particularly greedy, but they do appreciate some nutrients. Start with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring when shoots first appear. Then, follow up with a phosphorus-rich fertilizer (like a tomato feed) once buds begin to form. Over-fertilizing is actually worse than under-fertilizing, as it can burn roots and lead to lush foliage but poor flowering.
PRACTICAL TIP: Mulching is a game-changer for lily flower care. A 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch keeps roots cool, conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and adds nutrients as it breaks down. Use pine straw or shredded bark, making sure to keep it a few inches away from the stems to prevent rot.
As your lilies grow taller, some varieties may need support to prevent them from flopping over, especially after rain. Placing supports early in the season works best – trying to stake a fallen lily stem often results in damage. Simple bamboo stakes or grow-through grid supports work great when installed before the plants get too tall.
One maintenance task that’s often overlooked is deadheading. Once flowers fade, cut off the spent blooms but leave the stem and foliage intact until they yellow naturally in fall. This allows the plant to store energy in the bulb for next year’s display. It’s tempting to cut everything back, but your patience will be rewarded with stronger plants next season.
KEY TAKEAWAY: Water lilies deeply once a week, focusing on the soil and keeping foliage dry to prevent fungal issues. Overwatering can lead to serious problems.
Troubleshooting Common Lily Flower Issues
Despite your best efforts, lily flower problems sometimes crop up. Yellowing leaves are one of the most common issues and can signal several different problems. If lower leaves yellow early in the season, it’s usually normal die-back as the plant directs energy upward. But if many leaves turn yellow, your lily might be getting too much water or suffering from poor drainage. I’ve saved waterlogged lilies by carefully digging them up, letting the bulbs dry for a day, and replanting in better-draining soil.
Wilting flowers that droop prematurely often indicate water stress – either too much or too little. Check the soil moisture a few inches down; it should feel like a wrung-out sponge. Another common cause of wilting is hot, direct afternoon sun, especially for Oriental lilies which prefer more moderate conditions.
KEY TAKEAWAY: If your lily’s leaves are yellowing, it may be a sign of poor drainage or overwatering. To fix waterlogged lilies, carefully dig them up, let the bulbs dry, and replant them in better-draining soil.
The dreaded lily flower beetle is probably the most destructive pest your lilies will face. These bright red beetles and their larvae can strip a plant bare in days. Regular inspection and manual removal works best, along with neem oil applications for serious infestations. Start checking early in spring when the beetles first emerge and be persistent.
Aphids often cluster on buds and new growth, sucking sap and distorting development. They’re easier to deal with than lily beetles – a strong stream of water knocks them off, though sometimes insecticidal soap is needed for severe infestations. Introducing ladybugs can help keep populations in check naturally.
For fungal diseases like botrytis (which causes brown spots that spread quickly in wet conditions), prevention is key. Spacing plants for good air circulation, watering at soil level, and promptly removing affected leaves are the best things you can do. In severe cases, a fungicide labeled for ornamental plants may be necessary, but try to avoid this if possible.
Bulb rot is another heartbreaker that usually happens in poorly drained soil. If stems turn mushy at the base or have a foul smell, carefully dig up the bulb, cut away any soft, discolored portions, dust with fungicide, and replant in fresh, well-draining soil. You can save valuable lilies this way, though prevention through proper drainage is always better than trying to cure rot.
PRACTICAL TIP: To prevent fungal issues like botrytis, ensure your lilies have good air circulation, water at soil level, and remove affected leaves promptly. This proactive care can help you avoid the need for fungicides.
Harvesting and Using Lily Flowers
Few flowers make a more dramatic impact in arrangements than lily flowers. When cutting lilies for displays, timing is everything. The best moment is when the buds are colored but not quite open – they’ll continue to develop in the vase while giving you the longest possible display time. Cut stems in the early morning when they’re full of moisture, using sharp, clean shears and leaving at least 1/3 of the stem on the plant to feed the bulb.
Once inside, remove any leaves that would sit below the water line to prevent bacterial growth and that funky vase smell that develops when leaves decompose in water.
EXPERT TIP: carefully remove the anthers (the pollen-producing parts) from each lily flower as it opens. Not only does this prevent the orange-yellow pollen from staining fabrics and furniture, but it also extends the life of the bloom.
For the longest vase life, place arrangements away from ripening fruit, direct sunlight, and heating/cooling vents. Change the water every two days, and consider adding a floral preservative. If you don’t have commercial preservatives, a homemade version with 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon household bleach, and 2 teaspoons lemon juice per quart of water works surprisingly well.
CAUTION: while lilies are stunning in human spaces, many varieties, particularly Easter lilies, are toxic to cats. If you have feline friends, consider keeping arrangements in rooms they don’t access, or stick to pet-safe alternatives.
Extending Your Lily Garden’s Bloom Time
By selecting varieties that flower at different times, you can enjoy lily flowers from early summer right through to fall. Asiatic lilies kick off the season in early summer, followed by trumpet and Asiapet hybrids in mid-summer. Oriental and Orienpet lilies bring the show into late summer, and some specialty varieties can bloom into September in many regions.
When designing your lily display, consider not just bloom time but also height and color. Plant shorter Asiatics (2-3 feet) in front of taller Oriental and trumpet types (4-6 feet) so that later-blooming varieties create a backdrop for earlier ones. Grouping lilies in odd-numbered clusters (3, 5, or 7 bulbs) creates a more natural, impactful display than planting single specimens.
EXPERT TIP: Plan for continuous bloom by selecting lily varieties that flower at different times. Start with early-blooming Asiatic lilies, followed by trumpet hybrids, and finish with late-season Oriental and Orienpet lilies to enjoy flowers from early summer to fall.
Companion plants can extend the beauty of your lily flower garden while supporting the health of your lilies. Low-growing perennials like geraniums, catmint, or coral bells provide attractive ground cover that shades lily roots and suppresses weeds. These companions also hide the lower portions of lily stems, which can look bare or yellowed later in the season.
Mid-height companions like salvias, shasta daisies, or coneflowers create beautiful color contrasts and attract pollinators. Just be careful not to choose overly aggressive companions that might compete too strongly with your lilies.
For a truly spectacular display, Pair Oriental lilies with ornamental grasses that reach their peak in late summer. The structural quality of grasses like miscanthus or panicum complements the bold lily flowers while also providing support for taller varieties that might otherwise need staking.
PRACTICAL TIP: Group lilies in odd-numbered clusters (3, 5, or 7 bulbs) for a more natural, impactful display. Pair them with low-growing perennials like geraniums to shade their roots, suppress weeds, and add beauty throughout the season.
By thoughtfully layering early, mid, and late-season lilies with compatible companions, you can create a garden that maintains interest from the first lily bloom until frost, with each new variety taking center stage in its time.
Fun Facts About the Lily Flower
Lilies have a rich cultural history that spans thousands of years. Did you know that lilies appear in artwork dating back to 1580 BCE in ancient Crete? These beautiful flowers have been symbols of purity, fertility, rebirth, and royalty across numerous civilizations. The fleur-de-lis, a stylized lily, became a symbol of French royalty and appears on countless coats of arms and flags throughout Europe.
In Victorian flower language, different lilies conveyed specific messages. White lilies symbolized purity and virtue, while tiger lilies suggested wealth and pride. This symbolic language continues today, with white lilies frequently associated with funerals and Easter, and colorful Asiatic lilies brightening birthday bouquets.
The lily flower family contains some truly remarkable members you might not know about. The Formosa lily can grow to a staggering 8 feet tall in ideal conditions, while the tiny Lilium pumilum barely reaches 18 inches. The martagon lily produces dozens of small, tightly recurved flowers that dangle like tiny chandeliers from each stem. The rarest lily in the world, Lilium occidentale, grows only in a small region along the California-Oregon border and is critically endangered.
Beyond their ornamental value, some lilies have been used medicinally for centuries. In traditional Chinese medicine, certain lily flower bulbs were used to treat lung conditions and coughs. However, it’s important to note that many lilies are toxic when ingested, particularly to cats, for whom even small amounts of pollen can cause kidney failure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best time to plant lilies?
The best time to plant lilies is in the spring or fall, after the danger of frost has passed. In cooler climates, fall planting is ideal, while in warmer regions, spring planting works well.
How often should I water a lily flower?
Lilies should be watered deeply but infrequently. Water them once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch. Ensure the soil is well-draining to avoid root rot.
How do you care for lilies after they bloom?
After blooming, cut back the spent flowers to prevent seed production and encourage the plant to direct energy to its bulbs. Leave the foliage to die back naturally, as it helps nourish the bulb for next year’s growth.
How do I prevent pests on my lilies?
To prevent pests like aphids and lily beetles, regularly check plants for signs of damage. Use organic insecticidal soap or neem oil as a natural remedy. Handpick beetles off your lilies to reduce damage.
Can a lily flower be grown in containers?
Yes, lily flowers can be successfully grown in containers. Choose a large pot with drainage holes, use well-draining soil, and ensure they get enough sunlight. Be mindful of watering and avoid overwatering.
Why is my lily flower not blooming?
If your lilies are not blooming, it could be due to insufficient sunlight, overwatering, or the bulbs being planted too deeply. Ensure they receive full sun and the soil drains well.
How do I store lily bulbs over winter?
To store lily bulbs over the winter, carefully dig them up after the foliage has died back, remove excess soil, and let them dry in a cool, dry place. Store them in a paper bag or cardboard box in a cool, dark area until spring.
Conclusion
Growing lilies rewards you with some of the most spectacular blooms in the garden world. Their stately presence, diverse colors, and in many cases, heavenly fragrance make them worth every bit of care they require. And truthfully, they’re not as demanding as many gardeners fear. With proper planting, reasonable attention to watering and pest control, and some simple maintenance, lilies can thrive and multiply year after year.
Experiment with different lily flower varieties – there’s a whole world beyond the common types sold in big box stores. Try some of the species lilies with their wild charm, or indulge in the latest hybrids with their incredible colors and forms. Your lily flower garden will evolve over time, becoming more beautiful and rewarding with each passing year.