Lilies need care to ensure that the queen of the garden blooms magnificently. Waterlogging harms the Lilium, as does the lily beetle.
Lilies (Lilium) beguile with their intense fragrance. Thanks to the striking flowers, they are the queens of perennial gardens, of which there are more than 100 species and around 2000 cultivars. Anyone who plants different types of lilies or hybrids can enjoy the breathtaking splendor of the flowers from May to September.
Lilies are among the oldest cultivated plants and were already an important symbol of Mary in the Middle Ages. But the lily also symbolizes power - one reason why the trumpet-like blossom can still be found on many coats of arms today. Churches are decorated with white lilies for weddings, but also for funerals - a symbol of purity, love and rebirth. You see, the color says a lot about the meaning of lilies. But all lily species have one thing in common, they need a certain amount of care so that their beauty never fades.
Lily care - water, fertilize and cut
When planting lilies, it is important to note that the flowers like to be in the sun, but the lower part of the plant prefers partial shade. If this location can be realized, the lily is actually quite easy to care for. You should still heed the following tips for outdoor lilies.
➔ Watering lilies
Lilies are a bit sensitive when it comes to water. If you water too much, waterlogging occurs and the bulbs and stems start to rot. If you water too little, the flower bulb will dry up. You should therefore have some skill in watering and check the soil for dryness from time to time. You can avoid waterlogging by creating a drainage system made of gravel, sand and potsherds when you plant.
➔ Fertilize lilies
Lilies are heavy feeders. That means their nutritional needs are almost “insatiable.” In order to serve this, lilies also need fertilizer. Organic fertilizers such as compost or horn shavings are best. You can also use a mineral fertilizer, but it should be low in nitrogen.
Fertilize in early spring, before sprouting - this promotes flowering. At the end of the flowering period, you can fertilize again. The nutrient supply is fromcollected from the lily bulbs and strengthens them until next year.
➔ Pruning Lilies
Lilies are cut after flowering. Remove any faded flower buds and stems. The leaves, just above the ground, remain standing. Lilies react in a similar way to tulips and pull the foliage into the ground by themselves.
Cutting lilies for the vase
Lilies are not only a feast for the eyes in the garden, but also popular cut flowers. Cut the flowers just before they open, leaving about a third of the stem. If you keep this in mind and prune your Lilium in the morning or late afternoon, they will stay fresh in the vase for about two to three weeks.
Propagating Lilies
If you want to increase your stock of lilies, whether for your own planting or as a gift, you can multiply existing lilies. There are two ways to do this.
- ➔ Propagating Lilies by Seeds
After flowering, so-called capsule fruits form on the lilies. This is also when the seeds are ripe. Collect the seeds and sow them directly outdoors. But beware: if the varieties are not frost-resistant, wait until the temperature rises to at least 15 degrees.
» Note: The seedlings are a favorite food for snails. It is best to protect the young plants with a snail fence.
However, this method of propagation is only for the patient. Hybrids need at least two years before they flower for the first time, wild varieties can even take up to five years.
- ➔ Lilies multiply by division
Propagation by division not only serves to have more beautiful lilies in the garden, it also promotes the rejuvenation of the plant and thus the willingness to flower. Dig up the flower bulbs after flowering, alternatively you can do this in spring. Now the smaller bulbs are divided by the larger ones and placed directly in a planting hole prepared with compost and sand. The tip points upwards, the depth is about 25 cm. Cover everything with soil and water lightly.
Diseases and pests on lilies
The beauty and lifespan of lilies can be tarnished when attacked by diseases and pests.
❶ gray mold (Botrytis cinerea)
You can recognize gray mold by the reddish-brown spots that mainly form on the petals. A warm, humid climate favors the formation of gray mold, which also affects the stalk- in the worst case, it breaks off at the affected point.
What helps against gray mold?
Prevent gray mold by not watering the lilies from above, so that the leaves and flowers do not get unnecessarily wet. When planting, make sure there is sufficient distance (at least 20 cm), this also keeps moisture away. Another preventive measure is spraying with horsetail extract.
If the lilies are already affected by gray mould, the affected parts of the plant must be cut back completely and disposed of with household waste. Please do not throw it on the compost, the fungus can develop here.
❷ Lily Chicken
Lilium beetle (Lilioceris lilii) is the biggest enemy of all Lilium. This is an approximately 8 mm small, red beetle that attacks the leaves of the lilies. More precisely, the pest lays its eggs under the leaves. The resulting larvae literally eat through the leaves and leave large holes.
What helps against lily beetle?
The first step is to keep an eye on your lilies from mid-April and collect any specimens of the lily beetle. Larvae on the underside of the leaves can be hosed off with a strong jet of water.
Preventive Spraying with a decoction of sage and oak bark also helps. For this you need about 100 grams of sage leaves and three small oak branches. Chop the sage leaves and put them in a saucepan with the water and the oak branches. Bring everything to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes. Allow the finished brew to cool, pour into a spray bottle and spray the lilies with it.
» Reading tip: Fighting lily beetle - This is how it works!