Lily Bulbs

Depending on the season, the collection includes Asiatic lilies, Oriental lilies, double lilies and the native Turk's cap lily in white, orange, pink, yellow and dark shades. Plant in spring from March to May or in autumn. Flowering follows from June to August, and many varieties are fragrant.

Buy lily bulbs: groups, colours and varieties

Lilies (Lilium) are perennial bulbs and are generally hardy in Switzerland. These groups matter most for the garden:

• Asiatic lilies: early flowering from June, robust, in strong orange, yellow, red and white, mostly unscented.
• Oriental lilies: large, highly fragrant flowers in July and August, often in white and pink, related to Lilium auratum.
• Double lilies: several rows of petals and usually pollen-free, popular as cut flowers, also known as Roselily.
• Turk's cap lilies: nodding, recurved flowers on tall stems, ideal for naturalising in dappled shade, for example as a Turk's cap lily mix.

Incidentally, true blue lilies do not exist; pictures on offer are usually dyed. So-called black lilies are very dark red varieties.

Planting time and position in Switzerland

Lily bulbs can be planted in spring from March to May or in autumn from September to October. Both are possible on the Swiss Plateau; at higher altitudes spring planting is safer. Lilies like their heads in the sun and their feet in the shade: the flowers stand in sunshine while companion perennials shade the base. Turk's cap lilies also tolerate partial shade. The soil must be free-draining, as waterlogging makes the bulbs rot.

Planting and care

Plant lilies about 15 cm deep, large bulbs up to 20 cm. Most lilies form stem roots, and deep planting keeps them stable. A spacing of 20 to 30 cm is sufficient. Depending on the group, the plants grow 50 to 150 cm tall; tall varieties need staking.

• Water regularly during growth and flowering, without making the soil soggy.
• Feed every three to four weeks from the start of growth.
• From spring, check for the red lily beetle and pick off beetles and larvae.
• After flowering, remove only the seed heads and leave stems and foliage until they turn yellow.

In pots, choose a deep container and keep it protected from frost in winter.

Important note about cats

Lilies are highly toxic to cats; even pollen or vase water can cause kidney failure. Keep cats away from lilies, including cut flowers indoors.

Combining

Lilies look good among perennials such as hardy geraniums, phlox and daylilies. Peonies, which flower before the lilies, and dahlias for late summer also make good companions.