Lovely lilies can grow and spread as easily as daffodils

Nearly two decades ago, I clipped an article titled “Lilies for Naturalizing — A Rainbow of Carefree Summer Color,” written by Amos Pettingill of White Flower Farm. His words so captivated me that I repeat them now as an introduction to today’s column.

“There are no flowers more graceful and lovely than the lily. The blooms of this hardy and long-lived genus are colorful and varied in form, and many are richly fragrant. Lilies are superb in a mixed border, magnificent interplanted with earlier bulbs and ferns, and quite unbelievably beautiful when scattered in large numbers across a meadow or woodland … of course, they also offer glorious and long-lasting cut flowers.”

Shortly after moving off “my mountaintop” in 1990 to my still-current home, I put the inspiration from his words to the test. I began with the hardiest of all, daylilies, which bloom in clumps with green, straplike foliage that stays attractive even as the trumpet flowers bloom and die each day. Back then, orange was pretty much the only choice, but later more colors became available. I planted many of them, and after 28 years they are still going strong.

It is the great hybrids that bloom in clusters and last “forever” that I want to recommend today — the lilies for naturalizing. These include Asiatic lilies (the hardiest), trumpets and trumpet/Oriental crosses, all offering incredible durability — so important for our soil and climate — plus a knockout bonus: Bulbs planted this spring will bloom this summer.

In time, they can reach 2 feet tall, so consider placement carefully. Front a green hedge with them, fill soil pockets in the rock garden, make a swath through plantings of hosta, ferns or other green-leaved ornamentals, or plant en masse for a grand show fronting an arbor, rosebush or entryway. They will grow almost anywhere, preferring moist, friable, fairly acidic soil, but they do not like wet feet. Though they love sun, they tolerate dappled shade beautifully.

A warning, however: Deer love tender lily buds — but not the full blooms or foliage — so if you are plagued by these pretty but pesky creatures, reconsider using hosta as a planting partner. Deer love them, too. Brunnera, pulmonaria or even lily of the valley may be better choices.

The colors are to die for — shining whites, gleaming golds, gentle pinks, glowing reds and corals, even green. Some are “painted” for a two-tone effect, and beauties such as Stargazer, its kin ‘Sheherazade,’ and trumpet/Oriental crosses offer regal beauty and fragrance. Shapes vary as well, from traditional trumpet to star, ruffled, morning-glory and gladiolus-like forms, often accented by colorful stamens.

After the third year of bloom, as with most perennials, you may carefully dig up the bulbs, gently remove the scales, offsets and bulblets for replanting, and return the “mother” bulb to its site. If you planted in groups, this is the perfect time to divide them. You may add a dash of bulb food if you wish, but avoid soil enrichment — lilies do not thrive in alkaline conditions.

Bulblets should be planted with an eye to their future display, keeping in mind they will take longer to mature because of their small size. Containers often work well for these, allowing for later transplanting into the ground.

Take a look around local nurseries and talk with owners or managers; they will offer the best advice. Please avoid buying bags of bulbs — or any plants — at big-box or chain stores. With so many hidden additives harmful to other plants, beneficial insects, birds and even the environment itself, it is vital to protect our gardens and landscapes the way nature intended — not Bayer or Roundup.

Editor’s note: For many years, Valle Novak wrote gardening and cooking columns for the Daily Bee. Weekend Gardener and Country Chef became renowned for their humor, information and common-sense advice on everything from planting to cooking. She left behind many columns such as this one to delight her many fans.

    Hosta’s bold, green foliage can provide a lush backdrop for lilies, but gardeners in deer country may want to choose planting partners carefully.
  

    Lily of the valley can be a smart planting partner for lilies, offering ground cover that deer tend to leave alone.
  

    Valle Novak