Old Fashioned Lilies

To plant Old-Fashioned Lily bulbs, choose a well-drained location that receives full sun or partial shade. In the fall, before the ground freezes, prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of 8 inches and incorporating organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure.

Position the bulbs with the pointed end facing up, planting them about 6 inches deep and 6-8 inches apart. Water the bulbs thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and promote root development. Throughout the growing season, maintain consistent moisture, ensuring the soil does not become waterlogged or overly dry.

Old-Fashioned Lilies bloom primarily in the spring, while some varieties producing flowers from late spring to early summer. The precise blooming period will depend on the specific variety you choose and your geographic location or hardiness zone.

To extend the blooming period and enjoy a more continuous display of color, plant different lily varieties with staggered bloom times. You can also combine Old-Fashioned Lilies with other spring-flowering bulbs, perennials, or annuals to create a diverse and visually appealing garden design.

Caring for Old-Fashioned Lilies after they bloom involves deadheading the spent flowers to prevent seed formation and divert energy back into the bulb. However, keep the foliage in place, as it continues to photosynthesize and store nutrients for the following year's growth.

Once the foliage has yellowed and withered, you can remove it from the plant. Additionally, apply a layer of mulch around the bulbs to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth. Fertilize the lilies with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to support healthy growth.

While no plant is entirely immune to deer, Old-Fashioned Lilies tend to be less attractive to these animals compared to other lily varieties, such as Asiatic or Oriental Lilies. However, if deer are a persistent problem in your area, you might need to adopt extra protective measures.

These could include using deer repellents, planting deer-resistant companion plants, or installing fencing around your garden. By combining multiple deterrent strategies, you can minimize the likelihood of deer damage and protect your Old-Fashioned Lilies and other garden plants.

Absolutely, you can grow Old-Fashioned Lilies in containers, as long as you ensure proper drainage and a sunny location for optimal growth. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches deep, with sufficient width to accommodate the mature size of the lily. Fill the container with a high-quality, well-draining potting mix, and plant the bulbs at the same depth and spacing as you would in the ground.

Be sure to water the container consistently, as potted plants tend to dry out more quickly than those in the garden. Container-grown lilies will benefit from regular feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and vibrant blooms.