Table of Contents
Planning a successional planting of lilies ensures continuous blooms throughout the growing season, providing a vibrant display of color and enhancing the beauty of your garden. Proper planning involves selecting the right varieties, timing your planting, and understanding the growth habits of lilies.
Understanding Successional Planting
Successional planting involves staggering the planting times or choosing different varieties that bloom at different periods. This technique extends the flowering season and prevents gaps in visual interest.
Choosing the Right Lily Varieties
Select a mix of lily varieties based on bloom times and growth habits. Consider the following:
- Early bloomers: Asiatic lilies that bloom in early summer.
- Mid-season: Trumpet and Oriental lilies that bloom in mid to late summer.
- Late bloomers: Asiatic and LA hybrids that flower late in the season.
Timing Your Planting
Proper timing is crucial for success. Follow these guidelines:
- Plant bulbs in the fall, about 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost.
- Stagger planting dates within this period to achieve successive blooms.
- Ensure soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter.
Preparing the Planting Site
Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Prepare the site by:
- Loosening the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches.
- Mixing in compost or aged manure to enrich the soil.
- Ensuring good drainage to prevent bulb rot.
Planting and Care Tips
Follow these steps for optimal growth:
- Plant bulbs 4-6 inches deep, with the pointed end facing upward.
- Space bulbs 4-6 inches apart to allow for growth.
- Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Maintaining a Successional Lily Bed
To maintain continuous flowering:
- Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms.
- Divide overcrowded clumps every 3-4 years to rejuvenate plants.
- Protect lilies from pests such as aphids and lily beetles.
- Mulch annually to suppress weeds and conserve moisture.
Conclusion
With careful planning and proper care, successional planting of lilies can provide a stunning, extended display of flowers throughout the growing season. Choose diverse varieties, time your planting carefully, and maintain your lilies to enjoy their beauty year after year.