Asian Lilies: Can They Be Planted Outside?

Asiatic lilies, or any flowering perennial plant, can be planted in the ground at any time from spring through fall. However, the heat of summer can put additional stress on transplants. To ensure the best start, plant Asiatic lilies in a bed or container with good drainage and a crumbly, organic soil content. Ensure they have plenty of sunshine and a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8.

Asian lilies thrive in well-drained, fertile loam enriched with organic matter. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8. They are easy to grow and care for since they thrive in a variety of climates. If you want to plant outdoors, pick a well-drained planting area that gets 6 inches of rainfall.

Lilies can grow up to 4 feet tall, with sturdy stems and large, showy flowers. They bloom in late spring and early summer. To grow Asiatic lilies, use well-draining soil with pH 6.0-7.0, fertilize in early and late spring, protect from strong winds and winter frost, and watch for pests like aphids and diseases like botrytis.

Lilies can be grown in the garden bed or in containers. If grown in the garden bed, they can stay in the ground during winter. Mulch with straw, pine needles, salt hay, or leaves. If grown in containers, either the containers must be moved to a frost-free area or lifted the bulbs before winter.

Plant Asiatic lilies outdoors in a location that receives full or partial sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Choose a planting location with well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Dig a hole about 6-8 inches deep and wide enough to allow the bulblets to grow indoors in containers. Plant lily bulbs from October to April and stake taller if necessary.

How do you keep Asiatic lilies blooming all summer?

To encourage more blooms in Asiatic lilies, ensure they have enough sun, rich soil, and sufficient water. Divide clumps of lilies every two or three years to maintain their health. Mix organic matter into the soil when planting and prune spent flowers to promote healthy blooms next year. However, be aware of common signs of distress, such as yellow leaves signaling overwatering or poor soil drainage. Cut back on watering and allow the soil to dry out before watering again. If drainage issues persist, dig up the bulbs and replant them in a location with better drainage.

Should Asiatic lilies be inside or outside?

Asiatic lilies require at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, with the upper part in full sun and the roots shaded for coolness. They prefer loose, moist, well-drained soil with slightly acidic content. Prepare beds by adding organic compost a few weeks before planting. Plant bulbs 6 inches deep to keep them cool during hot summer months. Water Asiatic lilies regularly, allowing the soil surface to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Give plants 1 to 2 inches of water per week, with daily or every other day in hot, dry weather.

What to do with Asiatic lilies in pots after flowering?

Lilies can be grown in containers for a second season in the same pot, but the top 5cm of compost should be replaced with fresh compost with added fertilizer or manure. They should be kept in a cool, frost-free, airy place with strong light, such as a well-ventilated cold greenhouse or frame. In southern England, many lilies are fully hardy and can be left outside year-round. In cold areas, containers may be wrapped with bubble polythene to protect against frost. In very cold areas, containers should be kept in frost-free sheds until spring.

What to do with asiatic lilies in pots after flowering?

After lilies have flowered, cut off the flower heads and allow the foliage to die back naturally. Avoid cutting the stem back until it becomes hollow and brown, as this will feed the bulb for next year’s flowering. Leave the bulbs in the ground or pots, as they prefer a cold dormant phase during winter. Ensure they have plenty of drainage to prevent waterlogging and rot. Tilt the pots or place them under shelter to prevent waterlogging. After a few years, divide the bulbs and replant them all.

Do potted lilies come back every year?

Lilies are summer flowering bulbs with large, showy, and fragrant flowers. They are perennial and return each year if planted in suitable conditions. Commonly cultivated and sold are Oriental lilies, which are fragrant and prefer acid soil or ericaceous compost. Asiatic lilies, like the Martagon and Turkscap lily, have attractive petals and recurved petals, prefer neutral soil, and do not have a scent but have striking flowers.

Can store-bought lilies be planted outside?

Easter lilies can be kept outdoors by trimming back the flowers as they fade, leaving the foliage intact. Plant the bulb six inches deep in a location with good drainage and exposure to sun for at least half a day. Mix sand and compost into the soil if it is not naturally well-draining. Plant the lilies in containers, storing them where they will stay cool but not freeze. Allow the foliage to grow throughout the summer and fall, cutting it off level with the ground when it becomes brown and dry.

Mulch over the top of the bulb to protect it from the elements, and remove it in the spring when new growth begins. Easter lilies like plenty of water, but they don’t want to sit in a soggy environment.

Do asiatic lilies multiply?

Asiatic lilies are perennials that come back every year and can multiply. They are cold-hardy, pest-free, and do not require staking. They have a broad color range and are not fragrant but large, 4 to 6 inches wide, upward facing, outward facing, or pendant. They bloom at the top of the stems and have an average stem height of 30-36 inches. Asiatic lilies are grown by bulbs, which can double every year. They are toxic to dogs and cats, but deer and rabbits enjoy them without any ill effects.

To care for Asiatic lilies, purchase bulbs from a reputable bulb company and plant them in well-drained, loamy soil at a depth three times the bulb’s height. Space them about 8 inches apart and water well after planting. These plants prefer cooler roots, so they may need to “shade” the soil with mulching or other plants.

Can Asiatic lilies be left in the ground over winter?

Lilies can handle below-freezing temperatures in the garden, but those in colder regions may need winter protection. To protect them, add a thick layer of mulch or dig up bulbs in fall before the ground freezes. Lift and store lily bulbs for replanting in the spring by using a spade or garden fork, brushing excess soil off the roots, placing them on a newspaper or cardboard layer, checking for mold, discarding unhealthy bulbs, and storing them in peat moss or sawdust in a cardboard box.

Some gardeners dust bulbs with fungicides like garden sulfur to prevent mold or rot during storage. Replant the bulbs in spring once the ground has thawed. Potted lilies are more susceptible to colder temperatures but can be moved to a dry, protected area away from frost and cold temperatures. Regularly check soil moisture and water the soil lightly if the bulbs start to dry out.

Do lilies grow better in pots or ground?

Lilies grow well in containers, with taller types requiring support. Suitable species include Lilium auratum, L. formosanum, L. longiflorum, and L. speciosum, while suitable cultivars include Asiatic hybrids and the ‘Pixie’ series. Plant in early autumn, but bulbs can be planted until spring. Lilies can also be forced into flower for indoor display, with Asiatic hybrids, L. auratum, L. longiflorum, and L. speciosum. These bulbs are kept in a cool environment to flower without natural winter chill, around six weeks after planting.

Can I plant a potted asiatic lily outside?

The answer to the question “Can you recommend a tough, flowering shrub that stays under 4 feet?” is “yes”. If the lily is an Asiatic lily, you can plant it after it blooms, but cut off the spent blossoms before planting. Leave as much stem and leaves as possible. If you received Oriental lilies, plant them but be aware that they may not come back as they are not as hardy as Asiatic lilies. The question also asks for a deer-resistant shrub that stays under 4 feet.