LILY 



379 



though easy to cultivate. In fact, all of the lilies may be grown with 

 comparative ease in regions where the given species are hardy. 



A light, fertile, well-drained soil, mellow to the depth of at least one 

 foot, a handful of sand under each bulb if the soil is inclined to be stiff, 

 and planting so that the crown of the bulb will be at least 4 inches 

 below the surface, are the general requirements. One exception to 

 the depth of planting is Lilium auratum, or golden-banded lily. This 

 should be planted deeper — from 8 to 12 inches below the sur- 

 face — as the new bulbs form over the old one and soon bring the 

 bulbs to the surface if they are not planted deep. Deep w^orking of 

 the ground is always desirable; 18 inches, or even 2 feet, will be 

 none too deep. L. candidum and L. testaceum should be planted in 

 August or September, if possible; but usually lilies are planted in 

 October and November. 



For all lilies it is safer to provide good winter protection in the 

 form of a mulch of leaves or manure, and extending beyond the bor- 

 ders of the planting. This should be 5 inches to a foot deep, accord- 

 ing to the latitude or locality. 



While most lilies profit by partial shade (except L. candidum), they 

 should never be planted near or under trees. The shade or protection 

 of tall-growing herbaceous plants is sufficient. In fact, the best re- 

 sults, both as to growth and effect, may be secured by planting amongst 

 low shrubbery or border plants. 



Most kinds are the better for remaining undisturbed for a number 

 of years; but if they are to be taken up and divided, or moved to other 

 , quarters, they should not be allowed to become dry. The small bulbs, 

 or offsets, may be planted in the border, and if protected, will grow to 

 flowering size in two or three years. In taking up bulbs for division 

 it is best to do so soon after the tops die after blooming. At least this 

 should be done early in the fall, not later than October, giving the plants 

 a chance to become established before freezing weather. 



As pot-plants some kinds of lilies are very satisfactory, especially 

 those that may be forced into bloom through the winter. The best 

 kmds for this purpose are L. Harrisii (Easter lily), L. longiflorum, and 

 L, candidum. Others may be forced with success, but these are the 

 ones most generally used. The winter culture for forcing is practi- 

 cally the same as for hyacinths in pots. 



