Lily flowers are beautiful, and they’re also very popular and are grown in gardens around the world for their fragrance and appearance.
Most lilies are hardy perennials that will return every year. As the age of the plant increase it will grow in size so what was originally a small plant to begin with can soon grow into a large feature providing masses of blooms and scent every summer.
Which lilies are perennial?
There are many different types of lily, but the most popular and well-known species that are classed as perennials include:
Asiatic lilies – these have large, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a range of colors including white, yellow, pink and orange.
They’re very easy to grow and make excellent cut flowers.
Oriental lilies – these have slightly smaller blooms than Asiatic varieties, but they’re just as beautiful.
They come in similar colors to Asiatics, although you can also find some with bi-colored or multi-colored petals.
Lilium longiflorum – this is the classic ‘Easter Lily’ that you’ll often see for sale around springtime. It has pure white flowers with a lovely fragrance, and it’s a very popular cut flower.
Other types of lily that are worth mentioning include the Tiger Lily (Lilium columbianum) which is native to North America, and the Madonna Lily (Lilium candidum) which is a traditional symbol of purity.
How to care for your perennial lilies
Perennial lilies are easy to grow and care for, although there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
They prefer a sunny spot in the garden, although they will tolerate some light shade.
They like well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter.
They will benefit from being mulched with compost or well-rotted manure in late winter/early spring.
After they have flowered, allow the foliage to die back naturally before cutting it away. This helps the plant to store energy for next year’s flowers.
If you want to divide and replant your lilies, do this in early autumn.
With just a little bit of care and attention, your perennial lilies will flower reliably every year, bringing beauty and fragrance to your garden for many years to come.
Are potted lilies perennial?
Potted lilies are not technically perennial because they will only last for one season before needing to be replaced.
However, they’re very easy to care for and will provide a lovely display of flowers indoors or out.
All you need to do is water them regularly (keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged), and give them a high-potash fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season.
Once they’ve finished flowering, cut back the foliage and allow the pot to dry out completely before storing it away for the winter.
Final Words
Lilies are beautiful flowers that make a stunning addition to any garden.
Most varieties are perennial, which means they will come back year after year, and with just a little bit of care they will provide you with many years of enjoyment.
If you’re looking for a easy-to-grow plant that will give you an abundance of fragrant blooms, then lilies are the perfect choice. Why not add some to your garden today?
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