Lilies come in several varieties and look great in the garden or in pots on the balcon.y or terrace
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Choose our lily bulbs to enjoy the largest size and largest flowers on the market!
Choose our lily bulbs for an overwhelming summer garden full of colour and fragrance. These bulbous treasures transform any outdoor space with their huge flowers, which are known as easy summer flowers because of their easy care. A plant that has been in the spotlight for centuries, the lily offers not only visual splendour but also an intoxicating aroma that caresses the senses. Ideal for both new and seasoned gardeners, our lily bulbs bring not only the greatest size, but also unparalleled elegance to your garden.
The lily is an iconic plant that has been popular for centuries thanks to its beautiful, colourful flowers and intoxicating scent. This plant belongs to the Liliaceae family. Originally from Asia and Europe, it is now cultivated worldwide for use as an ornamental plant. Garden Select offers a wide range of lilies to obtain good varieties. Our lily bulbs all carry the Holland Selection Foundation label. This means that our bulbs have the largest size and flowers on the market. You always get a 100% growth and flowering guarantee on our bulbs. Successful flowering guaranteed!
Characteristics of the lily
Here are some of the main characteristics of the lily:
Appearance: The lily has an erect stem that can grow up to 1.5 metres tall. It is also characterised by its green, narrow, lanceolate leaves. The flower is trumpet-shaped, with six petals that can be white, yellow, pink, red or purple.
Flowering time: Lilies flower in summer, usually from June to August.
Habitat: The lily thrives in rich, well-drained soil and in sunny to semi-shaded locations.
Use: Lilies are often used in ornamental gardens and as cut flowers. Some varieties of lilies are also grown for their bulbs, which can be used in cooking.
Symbolism: The lily often symbolises purity, grace and refinement. It is used in floral arrangements for weddings and funerals.
Toxicity: Parts of the lily can be toxic to some animals, including cats, dogs and horses if ingested in large quantities. Keep your pets away from lilies.
Care: Lilies need well-drained soil and regular water to flourish. They may also need periodic fertilisation to promote growth. Bulbs should be planted about 10-15 cm deep and spaced about 15-20 cm apart.
Species: There are several varieties of lilies, each with their own characteristics. Among the most popular species are the oriental lily, scallop lily, tiger lily, arum lily and hybrid lily.
Propagation: Lilies reproduce by dividing the bulbs, which happens naturally every year. You can dig up the lily bulbs and divide them to make new plants.
Diseases and pests: Lilies are susceptible to certain diseases and pests, including root rot, grey mould and aphids.
What are the different types of lilies?
There are more than 100 different types of lilies, each with their own characteristics. Lilies are often grown for their spectacular, fragrant flowers. These are used in bouquets, floral arrangements and even for decorating cakes and dishes.
Here are some of the most common types of lilies:
Asian lilies: Asian lilies are native to Asia and are among the most popular types of lilies. Their flowers are large and trumpet-shaped, with petals that are often dark mottled. This variety comes in a range of bright colours, including white, yellow, orange, red, pink and purple.
Oriental lily: Oriental lilies are native to Japan and China. They are prized for their large, fragrant flowers. Their flowers are often white, pink or red and have slightly fringed edges. This variety is also available in brighter colours such as orange and yellow.
Trumpet lilies: Trumpet lilies are characterised by their very long, trumpet-shaped flowers, which can be up to 30 cm long. They are often appreciated for their sweet fragrance and spectacular appearance. This species is available in various colours, including white, yellow, orange and pink.
Longiflorum lilies: Longiflorum lilies have white, trumpet-shaped flowers, which are popular for their sweet fragrance and elegance. They are often used for weddings and other formal events because of their delicate appearance and sweet fragrance.
Tiger lilies: Tiger lilies are native to China. Their flowers are trumpet-shaped with dark spots on the petals. They are often orange or red and have a very exotic look.
Madonna lilies: Madonna lilies produce thick white flowers with slightly fringed edges and a subtle fragrance. They are often grown for their elegant appearance and fragrance.
Fall lilies: Fall lilies produce white, bell-shaped flowers growing along long, slender stems. They are often used for their sweet fragrance and elegant appearance.
Wild lily: Wild lilies produce bell-shaped flowers with pale pink petals and prominent stamens. They are often grown for their wild beauty and resilience.
There are also many other hybrid varieties, created by crossing different species. These can have unique colours and flower shapes, as well as different sizes and heights.
Some types of lilies can be toxic to pets such as cats. If you have pets,
check that the varieties you plant are safe for them.
Tips for planting lilies
Lilies are bulbous plants whose growth follows a seasonal cycle. Bulbs are usually planted in the autumn so that they can develop over the winter and flower in spring or summer. Bakker offers some tips for successfully planting lilies:
Choose the right location: Lilies prefer a sunny spot. Choose a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. Lilies do well in well-drained, moist but not soggy soil. If the soil is heavy or clayey, add compost or sand to improve drainage.
Soil preparation: Before planting, the soil should be tilled and levelled. Add compost or organic manure to improve the quality. Lilies like slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6-7.
Plant the bulbs: Dig holes 15-20 cm deep and 15-20 cm in diameter. Leave about 20 cm space between the holes. Place the bulbs in these holes with the tips up and the roots down. Make sure the depth is three times the height of the plant.
Cover the bulbs: Replace the soil around the bulbs and pack them lightly to prevent air pockets. Add a layer of mulch to retain moisture and limit weed growth.
Water the bulbs: Water the lily bulbs after planting to stabilise the roots. Thereafter, water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
To plant lilies according to their variety, here are some tips from Bakker.
Asian lilies can be planted in autumn or spring. They require well-drained soil and plenty of sun. They can be planted at a depth of about 15 cm.
Oriental lilies, tiger lilies, longiflorum lilies, martagon lilies and madonna lilies need moist, well-drained soil as well as a sunny or partly shaded spot. They can be planted at a depth of about 15 cm.
Trumpet lilies need nutrient-rich soil and a sunny spot. They can be planted at a depth of about 20-25 cm.
Peace lilies, dallelies and peace lilies need moist, well-drained soil and a shady spot. They can be planted at a depth of 10-15 cm.
Wild lilies need moist, well-drained soil, as well as a sunny or partly shady spot. They can be planted to a depth of about 10 cm.
Tips on lily care
Maintenance is easy once it is well established. However, Bakker recommends observing certain rules to ensure that the lily flowers profusely and long-lastingly:
Watering: the plant needs moist but not soggy soil. Water regularly, but do not wet the leaves, as this can lead to disease.
Fertilisation: add organic or mineral fertiliser every spring to feed the bulbs and encourage flowering.
Pruning: after flowering, prune the flower stems down to the ground to promote bulb growth.
Disease protection: lilies are susceptible to certain diseases such as root rot and rust. Watch for symptoms regularly and act quickly in case of infection.
Did you know that
The lily is known for its many virtues. It is not only aesthetically beautiful, but also has therapeutic properties. In natural medicine, lilies have antispasmodic and diuretic properties. The leaves and petals can be used to relieve menstrual pain or treat respiratory conditions.