LILIUM 



LILIUM 



1863 



and stately magnificence; yet they are entirely 

 unknown in many gardens, while in others only a few 

 of the commoner species, like L. candidum, L. specio- 

 sum or L. tigrinum are seen. Their culture has been 

 entirely too much neglected in this country, but we 

 are confident that, as their merits become better known, 

 they will be much more largely grown. Many persons 



2 156. A lily form. One of 

 the turban or Turk's-cap group, 

 Lilium superbum. 



seem to have an impres- 

 sion that lilies are difficult 

 to grow and perhaps this 

 is one reason why they 

 are not cultivated more 

 generally. It is true that 

 a few species, as noted in 

 their descriptions, are of 

 rather difficult culture, 

 sometimes succeeding well 

 but more often failing 

 simply because one does 

 not fully understand their 

 needs. It must be re- 

 membered that, in their 

 native habitats, the different lilies are found under 

 widely varying conditions of soil, climate and environ- 

 ment, and some kinds are so delicate and capricious 

 that they will not succeed well under cultivation unless 

 the peculiar conditions under which they are found in a 

 wild state can be closely imitated. But, on the contrary, 

 most lilies are robust, long-lived and of easy culture under 

 a variety of soil and climatic conditions. The beginner 

 in lily-culture should always select these easily grown 

 kinds, choosing them according to his own individual 

 taste. There are enough of these to satisfy any ordi- 

 nary cultivator, unless he becomes an enthusiast or 

 specialist, desirous of securing as large a collection as 

 possible of different species and varieties. In that case, 

 and if space, time and means will permit, he may 

 attempt the culture of the more capricious sorts. The 

 following is a selection of twelve of the best easily 

 grown lilies for general cultivation: L. candidum, L. 

 regale, L. auratum var. platyphyllum, L. speciosum var. 

 magnificum, L. tigrinum var. splendens, L. monadel- 

 phurn, L. superbum, L. testaceum, L. Martagon var. 

 glabrum, L. tenuifolium, L. croceum, L. dauricum var. 

 incomparabile. 



By using care and judgment, suitable lilies may be 

 chosen for almost any location or purpose. Nearly all 

 species are desirable for planting in combination with 

 other hardy perennial plants or scattered among dwarf- 

 growing shrubs in such a manner that the flowers will 

 rise above their foliage, thus imitating nature, for in a 

 wild state the lower part of the stem of many species 

 is thickly surrounded with grass or dwarf undergrowth, 

 while the upper part and flowers rise free. Many lilies 

 also produce a charming effect when planted in front 

 of large shrubs, such as magnolias and rhododendrons, 

 the flowers showing up well against the background of 

 green. For large beds or massing, only such kinds as 

 produce a showy display of flowers should be chosen. 

 L. candidum, L. dauricum, L. elegans, L. speciosum, 



L. tigrinum and their varieties are especially desirable 

 for this purpose. Sometimes different species or varie- 

 ties are planted together in the same bed, but, unless 

 space is limited, it is usually better to keep them sepa- 

 rate. Any of the strong-growing permanent lilies, 

 L. superbum, L. tigrinum, and many others, are excel- 

 lent for naturalizing in wild or uncultivated ground. 

 Some of the smaller-growing kinds, like L. concolor, L. 

 elegans, L. tenuifolium, are desirable for planting in 

 rock-gardens with other plants. In the northern states 

 the capricious sorts, like L. japonicum and L. Leicht- 

 linii, often succeed better when grown in cpldframes or 

 pots than in the open ground, and if their culture is 

 attempted this method is recommended. 



The flowers of all lilies, with the exception of a few 

 ill-smelling species, are excellent for cutting. Only the 

 upper part of the stem should be cut off, however, leav- 

 ing the foliage on the lower part, so the bulb may com- 

 plete its growth. If the stem is cut off right down to the 

 ground when in active growth, the bulb will be injured 

 or perhaps destroyed. 



Soils and location. 



Most lilies will succeed in any light, sandy or loamy 

 soil. Decayed peat or leaf-mold may be added with 

 advantage, as the American species are especially 

 partial to a peaty soil. Some species, like L. candidum, 

 L. croceum, L. elegans, L. Hansonii, L. monadelphum, 

 L. tigrinum and most of the European Turk's-cap 

 lilies will also do well in a heavier soil, even clay if it is 

 well drained. Good drainage is an essential point, for 

 no lilies, with the possible exception of L. canadense and 

 L. superbum, will live in a wet or swampy soil, where 

 stagnant water stands around the bulbs. Whenever 

 possible, a slightly sloping location with a porous 

 gravelly subsoil should be chosen. Several species, 

 like L. candidum, L. chalcedonicum, L. carniolicum, L. 

 Hansonii, L. monadelphum, L. Martagon, L. pomponium, 

 L. tostaceum and a few others will thrive in a calcare- 

 ous or limestone soil, but lime is poison to most lilies 

 and with these exceptions they should never be planted 

 in soils containing it. Of whatever nature the soil, it 

 should be fairly rich and if not naturally so a liberal 

 quantity of thorougly decayed cow- or sheep-manure 

 should be mixed in before planting the bulbs. In after 

 years, additional nourishment may be provided by 

 top-dressings of decayed manure. Fresh manure of 

 any kind should never be used, as it attracts worms 

 and causes the bulbs to decay. 



Although, as noted above, good drainage is necessary, 

 yet lilies like plenty of moisture when in active growth. 

 Frequent shallow cultivation or mulching will help to 

 conserve the moisture already in the soil, but in periods 

 of drought artificial watering may be necessary. 



Some lilies, as L. candidum, L. croceum, L. elegans, 

 L. Martagon, L. monadelphum and L. tigrinum, will 

 often succeed very well in full sunshine and exposure. 

 Others, however, 

 like L. auratum, 

 L. Hansonii, L. 

 Henryi, L. japoni- 

 cum, L. Parryi, L. 

 washinglonianum, 

 often fail or the 

 flowers bleach or 

 fade quickly in 

 such situations. 

 As a rule, how- 

 ever, it may be said that all 

 lilies will thrive better in par- 

 tial shade, and the flowers will 

 last longer. The ideal loca- 

 tion is under trees or large 



shrubs, but far enough away 21 57. A lily form. One 

 SO that their roots will not of the Archelirion kinds, 

 rob the lilies of moisture and Form of L. speciosum. 



