Reader Question: What happened to the orange lilies?
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Mar. 28, 2013: I am somewhat at a loss to remember if I removed pictures of orange lilies from this page, or maybe the Home page during the past year. It is for sure the reader remembers them, even if I cannot. So to solve this mystery I will be posting several kinds and types of orange lily pictures below to illustrate the ones that we grow here. For the most part, they are all fairly easy to grow when given a little TLC, and some require very little care at all. The one pictured at left is called 'Henryi", and is a native species of China. Its growth is phenomenal in height, with dozens of blooms on 7-8 & 9 foot stalks. This lily is not for the faint of heart. It has been used by breeders to produce some very nice hybrids. Some of the ones pictured below are Asiatic lilies which do not have proper names since some dealers unfortunately will sell improperly labeled bulbs all in the name of "making a profit" with little regard for the accuracy and correct identification. We ask all our readers to respect our copyrights on each photo. Each one has a © symbol imbedded within the picture for easy identification. Thanks for your understanding. ©Copyright 2011 All Rights Reserved Country Living And Gardens
Lilies Are An Important Part Of Country Gardens
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We've always had an eye for placing lilies in the perennial gardens among other plants including daylilies, German Statice and even a few irises. The color schemes and stepped bloom times seem to prolong summer color. There are gardeners who might be timid about planting lilies, but I find nothing difficult more than any other perennial. They all have their likes and dislikes. Generally I find partially shaded and afternoon shade to be beneficial in hot, burning sunny environments with a 4-5 inch layer of good organic mulch. Our soil is naturally sweet so this is to their liking. If you have highly acidic soils, the addition of garden lime can help improve the "sweetness" or alkalinity of the soil. I am aware that everyone out there is not inclined to garden, so I doubt those folks would have read thus far anyway. For those who (like me) are ever-learning and curious there is an excellent lily forum where a lot of useful information is found. And (like me) if you don't know the answer, just ask. The link for the forum can be found at All Things Plants where interested readers will find a ton of useful information.
Formosa Lilies
September 5, 2011: Formosa Lilies (Lilium formosanum). This lily is named for the island nation of Formosa (Taiwan) where it is a native species. So much has been written on the subject, but little factual information is known here personally. For example I've read these plants can be grown successfully only in USDA Zones 7-8-9; However I'm located in a very cold Zone 5, and yet these seem to flourish here. This was a very dry summer, therefore they have been somewhat smaller than usual, but yet they thrive! Below are three pictures from today. These are the last of the lilies to bloom this year.
September 5, 2011: Formosa Lilies (Lilium formosanum). This lily is named for the island nation of Formosa (Taiwan) where it is a native species. So much has been written on the subject, but little factual information is known here personally. For example I've read these plants can be grown successfully only in USDA Zones 7-8-9; However I'm located in a very cold Zone 5, and yet these seem to flourish here. This was a very dry summer, therefore they have been somewhat smaller than usual, but yet they thrive! Below are three pictures from today. These are the last of the lilies to bloom this year.
One Of Our Gardens Along A Shaded Pathway. July 4th, 2011 ©CountryLivingAndGardens.com
Lilium Speciosum Rubrum (Oriental Species Lily)
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As an ordinary lifelong gardener and plant grower there's not much that escapes my imagination and interest in lilies. These beautiful plants produce some of the most delicate and graceful blooms among the lily genus. The word "species" simply means that it is a "wild" or indigenous plant coming from a certain geographical location around the world. These beauties happen to have originated in Japan. I cannot think of flowers I prefer in the late summer garden more than these. They are just now blooming in my gardens and perennial beds. Rubrums are the last of the Orientals to bloom here, and it is sad to think summer is winding down so fast! The species is quite easily grown given adequate moisture, a good thick layer of organic mulch, and some late afternoon shade in hot climates. Some of mine are planted in varying amounts of shade/partial shade. They all seem to do well. For additional information and other data please see B&D Lilies at their website.
Rubrum Species Lily & Butterflies August 12, 2011
Some Pictures Of Lilies We Grow
More Lily Pictures From 2011
Spring and summer have moved by so fast that it seems impossible to be at September 5th already. Yet here we are with corn fields turning golden with yellow ears hanging from the stalks, and a touch of fall this morning when our overnight temperature dropped to 52F. It was one of those crisp September days when the air was refreshing, and a light jacket was needed. Sunshine and blue skies ended our late afternoon when we walked in the gardens. There are now so many bare spots, and tan, gold and brown remnants of plants stems where only color once prevailed. I guess that brings me around to posting some pictures here to have a reminder of what summer once was. These pictures should be a good recollection of the gardens when bitter winter snows and winds howl in late January & February.
Spring and summer have moved by so fast that it seems impossible to be at September 5th already. Yet here we are with corn fields turning golden with yellow ears hanging from the stalks, and a touch of fall this morning when our overnight temperature dropped to 52F. It was one of those crisp September days when the air was refreshing, and a light jacket was needed. Sunshine and blue skies ended our late afternoon when we walked in the gardens. There are now so many bare spots, and tan, gold and brown remnants of plants stems where only color once prevailed. I guess that brings me around to posting some pictures here to have a reminder of what summer once was. These pictures should be a good recollection of the gardens when bitter winter snows and winds howl in late January & February.
More Pictures
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