Lily plants are a genus of flowering plants that are native to many parts of the world. They are known for their fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers and their long, strappy leaves. Lilies come in a wide variety of colors, including white, yellow, pink, red, and orange. They can be planted in gardens, containers, or in pots indoors. Lilies require well-draining soil and full sun or partial shade. They are also susceptible to pests and diseases, so regular monitoring and treatment is necessary.
Planning Your Garden With Lilies
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Lilies are typically perennial plants, although some varieties may be annual or biennial. |
| USDA Zone | Lilies are hardy in USDA Zones 3-9. |
| Cold Tolerance | The cold tolerance of lilies varies depending on the species, but most species can survive temperatures down to 25. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest lilies depends on the variety of lily being grown. Generally, lilies can be harvested anywhere from 60 to 90 days after planting. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown lily plant can vary greatly depending on the variety. Some lilies can reach heights of up to 6 feet, while others may only reach a few inches. |
| Spacing requirements | Lilies prefer to be planted in groups of three or more, spaced 12-18 inches apart. |
| Sun tolerance | Most lilies are considered to be sun tolerant and can tolerate up to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, some varieties may require more shade, so it is best to check the individual variety for its sun tolerance. |
| Shade tolerance | Lilies are not particularly shade tolerant and prefer full sun to light shade. They will tolerate some shade, but will not flower as well in those conditions. |
| Water requirements | Lilies need moist, well-draining soil and should be watered regularly. They prefer to have their soil kept evenly moist, but not overly wet. During the growing season, water lilies deeply and frequently, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. During the winter, reduce watering to once a month. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing lilies depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the type of lily you are growing. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. For established lilies, use 1/2 cup of fertilizer per 10 square feet of soil. For newly planted lilies, use 1/4 cup of fertilizer per 10 square feet of soil. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing lilies is 6.5 to 7.0. |
Why Lilies are Popular
People like to grow lilies because they are easy to care for, come in a wide variety of colors, and have a beautiful, fragrant scent. Lilies are also a popular choice for flower arrangements and bouquets due to their long-lasting blooms and vibrant colors.
Companion Plants For Lilies
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for lilies include:
Common Pests For Lilies
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow lilies, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- snails
- thrips
- slugs
- aphids
- spider mites
- beetles
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
