Lily

Lilies are a must for any garden - with gorgeous blooms and a wonderful scent, they add an unmistakeable touch of summer glamour.

Recommended varieties

Most lilies are easy to grow and, given the right choice, will flower from early summer through to autumn in sun and shade. They come in all sizes and colours, from exotic white and speckled trumpets to what look like large tropical butterflies.

Catalogues usually divide lilies into two groups, the species and the hybrids, breaking the latter down into different categories.

The best way to choose from the massive selection available is to get a bulb spring catalogue. These catalogues are actually available in autumn when orders are taken, with the bulbs being sent out in spring for immediate planting. The one exception is Lilium candidum , which is planted at the end of summer and starts growing leaves in autumn.

Species

Lilium regale : essential whether you're a lily specialist or first-timer. Has a great presence, a clean white colour in the case of 'Album' (the species has a purple exterior) and rich scent. Grows to 1m.
L. auratum : this Japanese, golden-rayed species caused a sensation when it was first shown in London in 1862. The 25cm-wide white flowers have yellow stripes from the centre to the edge of the petals and crimson speckling. They appear from late summer to early autumn, have an exceptional scent and grow 1.2m to 1.5m. Lime-free soil is essential.
L. canadense : the North American meadow lily has minimal scent but graceful mid- and late-summer yellow (or orange or even red) flowers, with interior purple spots, that hang down like mini lanterns. Needs lime-free soil. Height 1m.
L. candidum : the beautiful, scented Madonna lily, from the Balkans and the Middle East, grows through winter and spring. Each stem has about 12 white flowers at the start of summer. Needs neutral, well-drained soil in a sheltered hot-spot. Height 1.5m. Has been given the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
L. henryi : this Chinese species is a robust performer with late summer orange flowers. Good in large, impressive containers where you need plenty of height. Height 2.5m. Has been awarded the AGM.
L. lancifolium : the easily grown tiger lily puts on a prolific show in late summer and early autumn with dozens of orange, dark-spotted, turkscap flowers. Baby bulbs can be clearly seen developing up the stem. These sprout roots and leaves, fall to the ground and start growing, producing new flowering bulbs in in a couple of years. Height 1.5m.

Hybrids

The pick of the hybrids belong to the following groups:

Asiatic hybrids (mid-summer flowering)

Citronella Group: yellow, turkscap flowers with dark speckling. Excellent in borders or large containers. Height 1.5m.
'Marakesh': deep red flowers. Height 90cm.
'Purple Rain': eye-catching creamy yellow petals with near-black, deep purple blotches. Height 80cm.

American hybrids (early and mid-summer)

Bellingham Group: vigorous show of yellow/orange turkscap flowers with dark red spots. Quick to multiply. Needs acid, damp soil in dappled shade. Height 2m.

Trumpet hybrids

African Queen Group : apricot to orange flowers in mid- and late summer. Height 1.2m. Has been awarded the AGM.
Pink Perfection Group : large flowers in varying shades of pink, inside and outside. Height 1.2m. Has been awarded the AGM.

Oriental hybrids

'La Mancha': striking show of pink with a dark red stripes running the length of each petal and white edging. Richly scented. Height 90cm.
'Tiger Woods': flamboyant white petals with raspberry-ripple red stripes and speckling. Good scent. Height 1m.

Growing tips

Plant the bulbs at a depth of 10cm to 15cm, the smaller ones nearer the surface, the bigger ones deeper.

In general, aim for free-draining soil rich in humus, water well over summer, and use a liquid feed to keep the plants vigorous.

Like clematis, lilies prefer having their feet in the shade and their heads in the sun, which means they like shooting up between low-growing shrubs.

Problem solver

The two big problems facing lilies are slugs and lily beetles.

Slugs can quickly chew through the new stems and, once attacked, it's a 12-month wait for next years' flowers. Use biological controls and sharp sand to keep them at bay, or grow lilies in raised pots.

The 8mm-long lily beetle is highly distinctive with a bright red body and black head and legs. It quickly attacks leaves. Remove by hand or spray.