~ L. GIGANTEUM 
The Giant Lily from the Himalayas 
We do not know of a more interesting and exciting lily to grow than the 
Giant Lily. In England it is the pride of the big estates .In this country every flower 
lover can grow it who can meet the following requirements: a half-shade location, 
well drained acid soil (plenty of peatmoss mixed into the soil), plant food and 
water during the growing season. Giganteum should only be transplanted during 
the dormant season; October is the best time. The roots are not damaged the way 
we pack the bulbs and the lily will take hold in its new location before severe freez- 
ing sets in. Of course it should be planted at once upon arrival, roots should never 
be allowed to dry. The bulbs we ship should bloom within one or two growing 
seasons. 
The big, glossy, heart-shaped leaves make a beautiful plant even if the bulb 
would never bloom, and to watch this lily grow is a source of never ending interest. 
The year the bulb blooms, the flower stem may grow up to a height of ten feet 
within about ten,or twelve weeks. You can almost see it grow. It stands to reason 
that a. plant whjch grows so rapidly must have plenty of plant food and water 
available during this period. 
On the flowering stalk the lower leaves are very large, measuring as much 
as 52” around, towards the top leaves become smaller. Flower buds grow first in 
an upward position, finally opening in a downward position. The large, narrow 
trumpets, 8-10” long, are pure white outside, with narrow maroon stripes in the 
throat. The spicy, clove-like scent perfumes the air, increasing in intensity at night 
and even after the flowers fall the forming plump seedpods again make the plant 
attractive until the end of the season. Only the year it blooms does Giganteum 
produce a flower stalk. 
After blooming the original bulb has spent itself. However, by this time 
numerous off-sets of varying sizes have been formed. Properly taken care of, these 
should in due time produce a continuous number of flowering bulbs. In our ex- 
perience they all bloom within three years. We can think of few things that bring 
so much satisfaction and happiness to a nature and flower lover as this lily wiil. 
Note: L. Giganteum cannot be transplanted in spring. 
Our planting instructions sent with each order gives detailed information. 
Small <.3: Bere $1.50 each; should bloom the 3rd year 
Medium "2p ahi ae $2.50 each; should bloom the 2nd or 3rd year 
Lia POG uc Picea er aie $3.50 each; should bloom 1st or 2nd year 
(All Prices Are Postpaid] 
SUGGESTIONS TO LILY GROWERS 
A well drained soil is essential for all lilies. If your soil 
is heavy, lighten it with well-rotted leafmold or mix it with 
peatmoss. Featmoss worked into the soil is essential to grow 
some lilies successfully; we Go not know of any lily resenting 
it. 
An ideal plant food for lilies is cottonseed meal mixed 
with peatmoss; keep moist for at least 30 days before using 
it, so it is completely fermented. Thoroughly rotted cow ma- 
nure and composted leaf mold is also an excellent plant 
food for lilies or any other plants. 
Sawdust is an excellent mulching material to keep lily | 
bulbs and roots coo] and moist, you may safely use even 
fresh fir sawdust (no cedar sawdust) or any other type, [ 
provided, it is not mixed into the soil. Mulching with saw- | © 
dust will not only eliminate a lot of weeding and cut down 
on your watering of plants, but it will also keep away slugs. 
Do your cultivating around your lilies early enough in 
spring before growth starts. After that, handweed only 
since hoeing would damage stem roots and other shallow 
roots. Sawdust mulch applied early will eliminate hoeing or Picture shows how L. Giganteum has formed new bulbs 
cultivating. of varying sizes after origina] bulb has bloomed and spent 
itself. 
