THE GROWING OF THE ORNAMENTAL PLANTS
INSTRUCTIONS ON PARTICULAR KINDS - Continued
Lily.--Under this name are included bulbous plants of many kinds,
not all of them being true lilies. It has been said of this family of
plants that it has no "poor relations," each of them being perfect in
itself. Many of the choicest kinds are comparatively unknown, although
easy to cultivate. In fact, all of the lilies may be grown with
comparative ease in regions where the given species are hardy.
A light, fertile, well-drained soil, mellow to the depth of at least one
foot, a handful of sand under each bulb if the soil is inclined to be
stiff, and planting so that the crown of the bulb will be at least 4
inches below the surface, are the general requirements. One exception to
the depth of planting is Lilium auratum, or golden-banded lily. This
should be planted deeper--from 8 to 12 inches below the surface--as the
new bulbs form over the old one and soon bring the bulbs to the surface
if they are not planted deep. Deep working of the ground is always
desirable; 18 inches, or even 2 feet, will be none too deep. L.
candidum and L. testaceum should be planted in August or September,
if possible; but usually lilies are planted in October and November.
For all lilies it is safer to provide good winter protection in the form
of a mulch of leaves or manure, and extending beyond the borders of the
planting. This should be 5 inches to a foot deep, according to the
latitude or locality.
While most lilies profit by partial shade (except L. candidum), they
should never be planted near or under trees. The shade or protection of
tall-growing herbaceous plants is sufficient. In fact, the best results,
both as to growth and effect, may be secured by planting amongst low
shrubbery or border plants.
Most kinds are the better for remaining undisturbed for a number of
years; but if they are to be taken up and divided, or moved to other
quarters, they should not be allowed to become dry. The small bulbs, or
offsets, may be planted in the border, and if protected, will grow to
flowering size in two or three years. In taking up bulbs for division it
is best to do so soon after the tops die after blooming. At least this
should be done early in the fall, not later than October, giving the
plants a chance to become established before freezing weather.
As pot-plants some kinds of lilies are very satisfactory, especially
those that may be forced into bloom through the winter. The best kinds
for this purpose are L. Harrisii (Easter lily), L. longiflorum, and
L. candidum. Others may be forced with success, but these are the ones
most generally used. The winter culture for forcing is practically the
same as for hyacinths in pots.
Some of the best kinds of lilies are mentioned below:--
L. candidum (Annunciation lily). White; 3 to 4 feet high; it makes an
autumn growth, and should, therefore, be planted in August; set the
bulbs from 4 to 6 inches deep.
L. speciosum (L. lancifolium), var. prœcox. White, tinged with
pink; bears several flowers on a stem about 3 feet high.
L. speciosum, var. rubrum. Rose color, spotted with red.
L. Brownii. Flowers white inside, chocolate-colored outside; the stems
grow about 3 feet high, bearing from 2 to 4 tubular flowers; not
difficult to manage with good protection and drainage; the bulbs are
impatient of being kept long out of the ground; after planting, they
should not be disturbed as long as they flower well.
L. maculatum (L. Hansoni). Dark yellow; stems 3-4 feet high, each
producing 6 to 12 flowers.
L. testaceum (L. excelsum, L. Isabellinum). Rich buff color, with
delicate spots; plants about 3 to 5 feet high, with 3 to a dozen flowers
on a stem; plant the bulbs in September.
L. longiflorum. White; large tubular flowers, 2 to 8 on a stem;
height, about 2-1/2 feet.
L. Batemanniae (a form of L. elegans). Apricot yellow; 6 to 12
flowers on stems 3 to 4 feet high.
L. auratum (Japanese gold-banded lily). Immense white flowers banded
with yellow and dotted with red or purple, from 3 to 12 on a stem;
height, 3 to 4 feet; the bulbs need thorough protection, good drainage,
and should be planted 10 or 12 inches deep (Fig. 258).
L. tigrinum (Tiger lily). An old favorite, with many drooping bright
red spotted flowers; var. splendens is specially good; 3 to 5 ft.
L. tenuifolium. Rich scarlet flowers nodding in a raceme or panicle;
1-1/2 to 2 ft.
L. Maximowiczii (L. Leichtlinii). Flowers clear yellow, with small,
dark spots, 10 to 12 on a stem; height, 4 feet.
L. monadelphum. Yellow tubular-shaped flowers in clusters of 6 to a
dozen or more; stems 2-1/2 feet tall.
L. elegans (L. Thunbergianum), var. Alice Wilson. Lemon-yellow;
stems 2 feet high, bearing 2 to 8 flowers.
L. elegans, var. fulgens atrosanguineum. Dark crimson; height, 1
foot.