Popular Flower Types

Seeds, fertilizer, varieties, spring, fall
The camellia produces blooms in mild winter climates and early spring in slightly harsher areas. It grows well naturalized in lawns and looks lovely planted as large drifts in flower beds.

Gerbera daisies, a member of the sunflower family, symbolize purity and innocence. Their delicate two-lipped florets come in a variety of colors.

The large, showy blooms of lilies add colorful elegance to the summer landscape. While many plants are called “lilies,” plants such as daylily, calla lily, surprise lily or water lily are not true lilies. True lilies are bulbs of the genus Lilium.

Many types of lilies are great for nearly any home landscape or garden. Several types of lilies do well in central Ohio gardens, and by planting different types of lilies, you can have lilies in bloom for most of the summer. Let’s look at a few of the lilies that can add a dramatic splash of color to your landscape.

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Asiatic lily has flowers that face up or outward, and cultivars are available in just about every color but true blue. Blooms of this lily are open now in central Ohio on top of stems that range from 2-5 feet tall. They grow and multiply quickly but are not as fragrant as other types of lilies.

Oriental lilies have large, fragrant blooms in mid to late summer in whites, pinks and crimsons. The flowers typically face out or nod downward and are often spotted or edged in dark contrasting colors. Their tall 3-to-6-foot stems sometimes need to be staked to keep them upright, especially if planted in areas that receive strong winds.

Trumpet lily: These lilies bloom in mid-summer and are noted for their spotless, fused petals that form a trumpet shape. The highly fragrant, outward-facing flowers are available primarily in white, yellow and pale pink. These plants need protection from the wind or staking because they grow 3-8 feet tall.

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hybrid lilies that have been developed from some of the previously mentioned types. They combine some of the best features from multiple lily groups. Some notable hybrids include LA hybrids (a cross between Asiatic and trumpet lilies) and Orienpet hybrids (a cross between Oriental and trumpet lilies).

Cultural requirements

Most lilies perform best in well-drained, slightly acidic soils in full sun locations. However, Martagon lilies prefer partial shade and neutral to slightly alkaline soils. All lilies require good soil drainage or the bulbs may rot in poorly drained, wet soils. Raised beds are a good planting option in poorly drained locations. Mulching is recommended for lilies to keep the soil cool, conserve moisture and prevent weed seed germination.

When and how to plant lilies

Early fall is an excellent time to plant lily bulbs. Lily bulbs should be planted at a depth equal to three times their diameter. For instant garden gratification, container-grown lilies are available at local garden center and can be planted throughout summer. Be sure to keep newly planted lilies moist when rainfall is inadequate. Moles, voles, and chipmunks have been known to feed on lily bulbs, so consider planting lilies in bulb baskets to protect them.

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Early fall is also the best time to dig and divide lilies. Carefully dig up the clump and separate the bulbs and replant them immediately. If planting must be delayed, place the bulbs in a plastic bag containing lightly moistened sphagnum peat moss and place the bag in the refrigerator. Plant the bulbs as soon as possible.

Lilies are easy-to-grow, hardy bulbs with showy flowers that steal the show wherever they are planted.

Mike Hogan is Extension educator, Agriculture and Natural resources and associate professor with Ohio State University Extension. hogan.1@osu.edu

Source: dispatch.com