6 Types of Lilies for Your Summer Garden
Lilies are a popular choice for summer gardens due to their vibrant colors and sweet fragrance. With over 100 species of lilies, it can be overwhelming to choose which ones to plant in your garden. In this article, we will explore the six types of lilies that are perfect for summer gardens.
The first type of lily is the Asiatic Lily. These lilies are known for their bright colors, ranging from white to deep red, and their ability to bloom early in the summer. They are also easy to care for and can grow up to three feet tall. The second type of lily is the Oriental Lily. These lilies have a strong fragrance and bloom later in the summer. They come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and purple. The third type of lily is the Trumpet Lily, which has large, trumpet-shaped blooms that can grow up to a foot long. They are also known for their strong fragrance and are perfect for adding height to your garden.
Understanding Lilies
Lilies are popular summer-blooming flowers that come in a variety of colors and sizes. They are easy to grow and care for, making them a favorite among gardeners. There are six main types of lilies, each with its own unique characteristics.
Asiatic Lilies
Asiatic lilies are the earliest to bloom and come in a wide range of colors, from white to pink, red, orange, and yellow. They are known for their upward-facing flowers and lack of fragrance. They are also the shortest type of lily, making them perfect for borders and containers.
Martagon Lilies
Martagon lilies, also known as Turk's cap lilies, have downward-facing flowers and are known for their unique shape. They come in shades of pink, purple, and white and are perfect for woodland gardens.
Trumpet Lilies
Trumpet lilies, also known as Aurelian lilies, have large, trumpet-shaped flowers and a strong, sweet fragrance. They come in shades of white, yellow, and pink and are perfect for adding height to the back of a garden bed.
Oriental Lilies
Oriental lilies are known for their large, fragrant flowers that bloom in mid to late summer. They come in shades of white, pink, and red and are perfect for cutting gardens.
Interdivisional Hybrids
Interdivisional hybrids, also known as Orienpets, are a cross between Oriental and Trumpet lilies. They have large, fragrant flowers and come in a wide range of colors. They are perfect for adding height and fragrance to a garden.
Species Lilies
Species lilies are the wild ancestors of modern lilies and come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. They are perfect for naturalizing and are often used in rock gardens.
In summary, understanding the different types of lilies can help gardeners choose the perfect lilies for their summer garden. Each type has its own unique characteristics that make them perfect for different garden styles and purposes.
The Asiatic Lily
The Asiatic Lily is a popular choice for summer gardens due to its vibrant colors and easy-to-grow nature. This type of lily is native to Asia and has been cultivated for centuries for its beauty and fragrance.
Color Varieties
Asiatic Lilies come in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, yellow, orange, and red. Some varieties even have bi-colored or speckled petals. Their blooms can range from small and delicate to large and showy, making them a versatile addition to any garden.
Planting and Care
Asiatic Lilies are relatively easy to plant and care for. They prefer well-draining soil and full sun, but can tolerate some shade. Plant bulbs in the fall or early spring, making sure to keep them moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer, and deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
Overall, the Asiatic Lily is a great choice for gardeners looking to add a pop of color to their summer garden. With their wide range of colors and easy-to-care-for nature, they are sure to be a beautiful addition to any outdoor space.
The Oriental Lily
The Oriental Lily is a popular choice for gardeners because of its large, fragrant flowers and striking appearance. They are a great addition to any summer garden, and can be easily grown with proper care.
Distinctive Features
Oriental Lilies are known for their large, showy flowers that can grow up to 10 inches in diameter. They come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, and yellow. The petals are often ruffled and have a glossy finish, which adds to their overall beauty.
One of the most distinctive features of Oriental Lilies is their fragrance, which is strong and sweet. They are often used in perfumes and other fragrances because of this characteristic.
Planting and Care
When planting Oriental Lilies, it is important to choose a location that receives full sun or partial shade. They prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The bulbs should be planted in the fall, before the first frost, and should be placed about 6 inches deep in the soil.
Watering is important for the growth and health of Oriental Lilies. They should be watered regularly, but not overwatered, as this can cause the bulbs to rot. Fertilizer should also be applied during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
In terms of pests and diseases, Oriental Lilies are relatively resistant. However, they can be susceptible to aphids and spider mites. Regular inspection and treatment can help prevent infestations.
Overall, the Oriental Lily is a beautiful and fragrant addition to any summer garden. With proper care and attention, they can thrive and provide a stunning display of color and fragrance.
The Trumpet Lily
Characteristics
The Trumpet Lily, also known as the Aurelian Lily, is a large, showy lily that produces trumpet-shaped flowers in the summer. These flowers can grow up to 10 inches long and come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, orange, and pink. The Trumpet Lily can grow up to 6 feet tall and is a great choice for adding height to a garden.
The leaves of the Trumpet Lily are long and narrow, and can grow up to 10 inches long. They are arranged in whorls along the stem, and are a bright green color. The stem of the Trumpet Lily is strong and sturdy, and can support the weight of the large flowers without bending or breaking.
Planting and Care
The Trumpet Lily prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It should be planted in the spring, after the danger of frost has passed. The bulbs should be planted 6-8 inches deep and 12-18 inches apart.
When planting the Trumpet Lily, it is important to add organic matter to the soil, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve drainage and provide nutrients. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, throughout the growing season.
The Trumpet Lily is a low-maintenance plant that does not require much care. However, it is important to remove the spent flowers to prevent the plant from using energy to produce seeds. After the flowers have faded, the stem and leaves should be left in place until they turn yellow and die back naturally. This allows the plant to store energy in the bulb for next year's growth.
Overall, the Trumpet Lily is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that is sure to add color and height to any summer garden.
The Martagon Lily
Unique Traits
The Martagon Lily, also known as the Turk's cap Lily, is a unique species of lily that is native to Europe and Asia. It is known for its downward-facing, recurved petals and its striking color variations, which range from white to pink, yellow, and even deep red. The Martagon Lily is a perennial plant that can grow up to 5 feet tall, making it a perfect addition to any summer garden.
One of the unique traits of the Martagon Lily is its ability to thrive in partial shade. Unlike many other species of lilies, the Martagon Lily can tolerate shady conditions and will still produce beautiful blooms. This makes it an excellent choice for planting in areas of the garden that receive less sunlight.
Planting and Care
When planting the Martagon Lily, it is important to choose a location that receives partial shade and has well-draining soil. Plant the bulbs in the fall, about 6 inches deep and 8 inches apart. Water the bulbs thoroughly after planting and keep the soil moist throughout the growing season.
During the summer months, the Martagon Lily will require regular watering to keep the soil moist. Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and again in the fall to promote healthy growth.
One important thing to note is that the Martagon Lily can be prone to fungal diseases, so it is important to keep the foliage dry and remove any dead or diseased leaves promptly. With proper care, the Martagon Lily will provide stunning blooms year after year, making it a must-have for any summer garden.
The Longiflorum Lily
Key Features
The Longiflorum Lily, also known as the Easter Lily, is a popular choice for summer gardens. This type of lily is native to Japan and has large, trumpet-shaped flowers that are pure white in color. The blooms are fragrant and can grow up to 6 inches in diameter.
One of the key features of the Longiflorum Lily is its long, slender stems. This makes it an ideal choice for cut flower arrangements. The stems can grow up to 3 feet in height and can support multiple blooms per stem.
Planting and Care
When planting Longiflorum Lilies, it is important to choose a location that receives partial to full sun. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. Plant bulbs in the fall, about 6 inches deep and 9 inches apart.
During the growing season, Longiflorum Lilies require regular watering and fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to encourage healthy growth and blooming. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from expending energy on seed production.
In areas with harsh winters, Longiflorum Lilies may need to be dug up and stored indoors until spring. This will prevent the bulbs from freezing and ensure healthy growth in the following season.
Overall, the Longiflorum Lily is a beautiful and easy-to-grow addition to any summer garden. With proper care and attention, these lilies can provide stunning blooms year after year.
The Candidum Lily
Special Attributes
The Candidum Lily, also known as the Madonna Lily, is a classic summer-blooming perennial that is popular for its pure white flowers and sweet fragrance. This lily is native to the Mediterranean region and has been cultivated for centuries.
The Candidum Lily is a tall and elegant plant that can grow up to 3 feet tall. It has long, lance-shaped leaves that are arranged in a whorl around the stem. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and have six petals. They bloom in early summer and last for several weeks.
Planting and Care
The Candidum Lily prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It can be planted in the spring or fall, but it is best to plant it in the fall so that it has time to establish its roots before blooming.
When planting the Candidum Lily, make sure to dig a hole that is about twice the size of the root ball. Add some compost or organic matter to the soil to help improve drainage and provide nutrients. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, making sure to tamp it down firmly. Water the plant well to help settle the soil.
To care for the Candidum Lily, make sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Deadhead the flowers as they fade to encourage more blooms. In the fall, cut back the foliage to the ground and mulch around the plant to protect it from winter cold.
Overall, the Candidum Lily is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that is perfect for the summer garden. With proper care, it will provide years of enjoyment with its stunning white blooms and sweet fragrance.