Liliums (Lilium spp.), the true lilies, are easy and rewarding to grow in your garden! They include many species, cultivars and hybrids with an endless array of attractive flower forms and colours. The most popular is perhaps the pure white Lilium longiflorum, commonly known as the Christmas Lily in cool climates, or the November Lily in warmer parts. Retail Lilium bulbs are often grouped into two loose categories: ‘Asiatic’ and ‘Oriental’.  Asiatic lilies have beautiful, trumpet-shaped blooms. The dramatic, bowl-shaped Oriental, with their jewel-like colours and heady perfume, are even more stunning.


How to grow lilies in a garden

  1. Choose a well-drained spot in the garden that receives morning sun and is protected from the afternoon heat.
  2. Enrich the soil with some compost and Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Plant Food before planting.
  3. Place the bulb directly where the plant is to grow at a depth of 10cm-20cm and 30cm-40cm apart. Ideally plant 3-5 bulbs in a clump as this will produce a stunning effect.
  4. Cover with soil.
  5. Keep the soil nice and moist ensuring not to overwater.
  6. Feed with Yates Thrive Rose & Flower Granular Plant Food. TIP: For an added boost apply Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food.


     


How to grow lilies in a pot

  1. Choose a pot that has adequate drainage holes and is at least 30cm-50cm wide and 20cm deep. Place it in a position that gets full sun but is protected from the afternoon heat.
  2. Fill the pot with Yates Premium Potting Mix.
  3. Place bulbs directly into the pot at a depth of 10cm-20cm and 30cm-40cm apart. Ideally plant 3-5 bulbs as this will produce a stunning effect.
  4. Cover with soil.
  5. Keep the soil nice and moist, ensuring not to overwater.
  6. When flower buds appear, feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses & Flower Liquid Plant Food. TIP: For an added boost apply Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate.

Growing tips

  • Lilies grow from a clustered bulb that should be planted as soon as possible after purchase - liliums don’t have a thick outer skin to protect the bulb from drying out.
  • If the bulb is a tall grower it may need support. Stakes should be pushed into place at planting time to avoid damaging the roots later on.
  • When picking the flowers, make sure that you leave some stalk with leaves on it, as the leaves are needed by the lily to build up the bulb for the following season’s growth.

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Gardenia

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Freesia

Freesias are a spring flowering bulb that produce scented blooms in a range of vibrant colours including pinks, white, yellow, mauve and red.

Flax

Flax (Phormium spp.) are highly versatile plants which can grow well in swampy or dry conditions. Great for large pots or en-masse in garden beds.

Recommended products

Yates Premium Potting Mix

A premium potting mix, ideal for all potted plants and shrubs, including ornamentals, fruit trees, vegies and herbs.