BARR St SONS, 11, 112 St 13 King Street, Covent Garden, London. 43 
BARR’S BEAUTIFUL LILIES. 
For Flower and Shrubbery Borders, and Greenhouse Decoration 
or for Naturalising in wild gardens, etc. 
NOTE. — We have been growing Lilies since 1865, and have gained much experience as to 
their requirements. 
General Hints on Culture. 
Lilies planted Outdoors. — The conditions 
essential to success in growing Lilies may be generally 
summarised thus :— A cool rooting medium in 
open porous soil ; perfect drainage; and for 
most Lilies, shade from hot sun. 
These conditions can be readily fulfilled where 
the bulbs are planted in herbaceous borders or 
among Azaleas or Rhododendrons. In such posi¬ 
tions the young spring growths are protected from 
cold winds, and the ground is kept cool by the 
shade of the surrounding plants. This is especially 
needful in the case of those Lilies which make stem 
roots, as these are only developed freely in shade. 
The chief stem-rooting Lilies in the following 
list are marked thus 8. See also note below. 
In preparing the ground for Lilies dig the soil 
to a depth of 2 feet or more, being careful to avoid 
leaving a hard base, and add or fill in the necessary 
compost according to the cultural directions given 
for the different Lilies. Light sandy soils are 
usually of a hungry type and can be improved by 
the addition of leaf soil and old well-decayed 
stable manure, taking care that this does not come 
into contact with the bulbs. Heavy clay soils can 
be improved by the use of sand and wood ashes. 
Plant the bulbs as soon as possible after receipt, as 
great damage can result through keeping them 
under unsatisfactory conditions : if they cannot be 
LILITH ATRATTM. —-—- ■■ /— -—- —- . “ 
planted immediately store outdoors in damp sand. 
In planting it is a good plan to surround and cover 
the bulbs with sand to protect them from slugs, etc., and to prevent the accumulation of excessive 
moisture around the bulbs. As growth advances a mulching of light rich soil should be occasionally 
given, and during the growing period the plants should be freely watered. In late Autumn cut down the 
old flower stems to within a few inches of the ground and give a light covering of leaf-mould or peat. 
It should be remembered that Lilies are not seen at their best until they have become established 
in their permanent quarters and therefore do not always do justice to themselves the first year of 
planting. 
Lime. —Most Lilies do not object to a moderate amount of lime in the soil. In soils which contain 
a high content of lime the addition of leaf-mould will do much to render the soil more suitable for Lily 
culture. In the case of those Lilies which object to lime we have specially mentioned this in the cultural 
directions given for such varieties. 
Soils and Situations Recommended for Lilies. 
Indicates the Swamp Lilies delighting in slightly shady and moist situations, sheltered from 
strong winds. A well-drained peat soil with the addition of leaf-mould where there is bottom moisture 
for the bulbs to root into is recommended. Where a brook, stream, or pond is available they may be 
planted at the margins, where the bulbs can remain moderately dry and the roots find all the moisture 
they require below. These Lilies should be planted about 4 inches deep, covering and surrounding the 
bulbs with sand They may also be planted with great success in constructed hillocks of soil in wet 
boggy situations so that the bulbs remain dry while the roots penetrate to the moisture they desire. 
8 Indicates the stem-rooting Lilies, which are admirable in association with Rhododendrons, 
Azaleas, Lavender, the taller growing Ericas and Dwarf Shrubs; under such conditions the young 
shoots in early Spring are protected from severe frost and cold winds. The Shrubs also provide ground 
shade, thus encouraging the free production of the stem roots on which the flower head largely 
depends. Herbaceous plants will also supply the necessary protection. As soon as the stem roots 
appear a covering of good soil should be given into which they may root and further mulchings given 
during the growing period. 
Japanese Lilies. —Some of these do not arrive before December or January, and we recommend 
their being potted up as soon as received, plunged in peat fibre or well-weathered ashes in a cold 
frame and planted out when weather conditions are favourable in Spring. 
