NOTES OF LILY CULTURE 
Accompanying the descriptions of the various lilies, we have set forth the cultural re¬ 
quirements of each except the very easy sorts. In general, lilies are not more difficult to 
grow than other herbaceous perennials, some of which may be grown under a wide variety 
of conditions and others of which require special treatment to thrive. Usually it is com¬ 
paratively easy to provide the needs of the more exacting varieties when these are under¬ 
stood. 
An ideal soil for most lilies is one which is sufficiently porous to permit fast drainage 
of winter rainfall but rich in humus which will retain moisture for the plants during the 
summer. Heavy soils may be improved by liberal additions of sand and leaf mold. On low 
ground, it is often advisable to throw out the soil to a depth of two feet and place at the 
bottom a layer of old cans, brick-bats or other material which will provide under-drainage. 
In back-filling, sand can be added to the soil if needed. 
The common idea that the stem rooting lilies are the only ones that need deep planting 
is a fallacy. Many of those that root from bulb only, will do much better if planted 10 to 12 
inches deep where the moisture content is greater and there is more protection from winter 
cold. Additionally, the rootless stems need the greater depth of soil to hold themselves erect 
without staking. Do not make the mistake, however, of planting Liliums candidum and 
giganteum himalaicum deeply. 
In districts where late spring frosts are common, it will be well to select a sheltered 
spot with the protection of low-growing shrubs or ferns. The shade of these helps also to 
keep the ground cool and moist later on which is very beneficial. A mulch of leaf-mold will 
retain moisture and provide just the sort of plant food lilies need. Wherever possible, avoid 
the use of manures in fertilizing lilies. They tend to spread injurious soil organisms such 
as symphilids (garden centipedes) which destroy the tender roots and often attack the bulbs. 
We believe this accounts for the loss of many of the white-bulbed lilies which are especially 
susceptible. LeOthrips sometimes attack lily bulbs that are planted shallow in loose soil. 
Deep planting will tend to check the depredations of these and other insect pests. Much 
trouble with lilies could be avoided by planting clean, healthy bulbs in new soil and thence¬ 
forth using only leaf-mold from under deciduous trees as fertilizer. 
LILIES 
AMABILE —Brilliant orange-scarlet marked 
with black, recurving. Sharp drainage, full 
sun. 18 inches tall. June. Plant 4 inches 
deep. 25c each, 3 for 65c, 12 for $2.50. 
AURATUM PLATYPHYLLUM— Universally 
admired. Massive white petals with central 
bands of gold and spots of same. Flowers 
10 inches in diameter. Must have well 
drained, acid soil, preferably a cool slope. 
5 to 7 feet tall. August. Plant 10 inches 
deep. Home-grown bulbs 50c each, 3 for 
$1.35, 12 for $5.00. Extra large, 75c each, 
3 for $2.00, 12 for $7.50. 
BROWN I —True form. One of the best of all 
lilies. Marble-white flowers, exquisitely 
fashioned, purple exterior, dark, handsome 
foliage. Scarce. 3 to 4 feet tall. July. Plant 
6 inches deep—good drainage. Flowering 
size, $1.25 each, 3 for $3.35, 12 for $12.50. 
CANADENSE — Canadian Meadow Lily. 
Graceful bells varying from red to yellow. 
3 to 4 feet tall. July. 25c each, 3 for 65c, 
L. Auratum platyphyllum 12 for $2.50. 
