Gardening with Margaret Matthews
"Consider the lilies...
by Margaret Matthews
Consider how they grow. They toil not, neither do they spin, and yet Solomon in all his glory, was not arrayed like one of these. "
It is said that the lilies of Matthew, in the New Testament, were not lilies at all, but anemones. And today, there are still plants that we call ‘lilies’, or more correctly liliums, which do not belong to this family at all. So, there is nothing new under the sun!
In late spring and summer many beautiful lilies are in bloom. There are few occasions on which lilies cannot be used to advantage. In churches they are favoured by ladies who are responsible for ‘doing the flowers’. They often feature in three most important rituals in our lives: christenings, weddings and funerals. They make a strong statement at corporate functions, are beloved by florists for use in ‘arrangements’ for countless occasions which we observe by sending floral tributes.
Lilies also are great in our gardens, or as gifts, but they are always expensive, and especially so at Christmas, when they are in great demand, as they make such attractive gifts. This applies both to cut blooms and those in containers. However, the latter is the better option, because they will not only continue to grow, but will multiply from year to year.
Growers are now able to bring plants into flower at will by controlling temperature. And now scientists are using genes to manipulate plant growth and time of flowering even more accurately. Perhaps we will soon have roses in July and daffodils in December!
Of all the lilies, three of my favourites are the elegant pure white Christmas Lily (Lilium: candidum), and the many-hued Asiatic and Oriental liliums. The two latter come in colours right across the spectrum, excepting blue. They can be ‘penny-plain or twopence coloured’. Some of the Orientals are in plain colours with a spotted throat, but the Asiatics can be striped, spotted, blotched, streaked with contrasting colours. Their throats may be flecked with black or brown. A word of warning: the copious deep yellow pollen stains both skin and clothing, so wear gloves and a plastic overall when picking blooms or tending the plants.
Lilies are very worthwhile plants to grow. Like any other plant they respond to some care and attention. They have a long flowering period, and really enhance the garden as well as providing cut flowers. I always grow lilies in containers, as it is easier to control their watering and feeding. The bulbs are fleshy, and unlike most other bulbs, cannot be stored out of the ground after the foliage dies back. In all other aspects they need similar care. Although I have only mentioned three species of lilies, the following cultural directions apply to all liliums.
You can buy lilium bulbs from the nursery (they will be in an airtight plastic bag), or, preferably by mail order from growers who advertise in the monthly garden magazines. These should be planted immediately you receive them. Always use a top quality potting mix (not from a supermarket). Choose an attractive container, between 16 and 20 cms. Remember that although terra cotta is still the Rolls Royce material for garden containers, it is not only expensive but very heavy to move about (especially when full of potting mix). They also dry out rapidly in hot weather. There are very good replicas of terra cotta pots available now, light in both weight and cost.
Plant the bulbs six to eight cms below the soil. Although the bulbs already contain the flowers for the coming season, add some slow-release fertiliser, and keep the soil moist but not wet. When the buds appear, apply a soluble fertiliser every 10 days. The plants should be protected from the afternoon sun, and they will continue flowering for weeks. As one flower opens, another fades. After the final flower dies, keep the plant watered and apply a thick layer of cow manure (obtainable from the nursery), and a dressing of sulphate of potash to the plant. When the foliage has yellowed and died back, remove the bulbs, discard the mix, and start the whole process over again. If you plan ahead, you could have beautiful pots of lilies to grace your patio or verandah, and they would make a special gift for a special friend.
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