LILIES 
For Garden and Greenhouse 
In this, our 1937-38 descriptive catalogue of bulbs and seed of the genus 
Lilium, we have included a number of species and varieties not listed in former 
issues. Likewise we have incorporated considerable additional cultural infor¬ 
mation which we trust will be of assistance to our customers and others who 
are interested in growing lilies well. The growth of our shipments during the 
past year leads us to believe that garden enthusiasts thoroughly appreciate 
receiving stock which has been grown with careful attention to cultural require¬ 
ments, which has been dug at the proper period and packed and shipped by 
the most approved methods. We hope to improve these services from time to 
time as experience and research will permit. We solicit your continued support 
and comments which we assure you are greatly appreciated. 
NOTES ON LILY CULTURE 
Space does not allow us to give a complete description of lily culture, but 
the following resume may prove of assistance. 
Plant at the prescribed depth and in the location recommended for each 
species. Make certain of good drainage. This is essential to success with lilies. 
Envelop the bulbs in sharp sand when planting. This will assist in prompt drain¬ 
age and assure your finding the bulbs should it be necessary to move them. 
Part shade is best for most species. Provide it by intelligent planting among 
shrubbery or trees. Incorporate peat moss to lighten heavy soils and fertilize 
with bone meal on permanent plantings. Avoid chemical fertilizers. 
All lilies enjoy leaf mold and sharp sand in the planting soil. Mulch with 
peat moss V 2 to 1 inch deep in the early spring. This conserves the natural 
moisture in the soil and gives the bulbs a cool rooting medium. 
One of the first requisites of success with lilies is to plant them at the proper 
time. All of the species are not identical in this respect as some are ready for 
digging earlier than others. 
L. Candidum, L. Chalcedonicum and L. Testaceum should be moved prior to 
October 1st for best results. Late planting is detrimental to their establishment. 
All of our native American lilies, and the majority of those of European origin, 
should be moved in the fall when the bulbs have ripened—spring planting is 
not recommended. Many of the other early bloomers such as L. Elegans, L. Re¬ 
gale, L. Willmottiae, L. Japonicum and L. Umbellatum, may be planted as late 
as February 1st with success, although fall planting is better. Late varieties such 
as L. Speciosum, L. Henryi, L. Tigrinum, L. Sulphureum, L. Auratum Platyphyllurn 
and L. Formosanum will give a good account of themselves when planted as late 
as April 1st, although the first season's bloom will be later than usual. In moving 
lilies in your own garden endeavor to do so in the fall as soon as the foliage has 
ripened. At that time the bulbs are more nearly dormant and no serious setback 
will be experienced. 
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