About Lilies
Lilies are among the most dramatic and often fragrant flowers you can grow from bulbs. Double-petalled perfume lilies produce intensely fragrant, many-layered blooms in pink, purple, and yellow. Single lilies offer classic elegance in bold red, yellow, and green. Calla lilies produce sleek, sculptural trumpet blooms in white, black, purple-white, and lavender. And rain lilies surprise with delicate, crocus-like flowers that appear after summer rains in pink, coral, and red.
Planting Depth & Timing
Plant true lily bulbs (double and single) 6 to 8 inches deep in spring or fall, with the pointed end up. Space 8 to 12 inches apart. Calla lily rhizomes go 4 inches deep with the growing points up, planted in spring after the last frost. Rain lily bulbs are planted 2 to 3 inches deep and 3 to 4 inches apart in spring. All lilies prefer rich, well-drained soil — amend with compost before planting.
Growing Conditions
True lilies and calla lilies prefer full sun to partial shade — morning sun with some afternoon shade is ideal in hot climates. Rain lilies thrive in full sun. All lilies need well-drained soil that stays evenly moist but never waterlogged. True lilies like their "heads in the sun and feet in the shade" — mulch around the base or underplant with low ground cover to keep roots cool.
Watering & Feeding
Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist during the growing season. Feed with a balanced bulb fertilizer when shoots emerge in spring and again after flowering. Calla lilies are heavier feeders — fertilize every 2 weeks during active growth. Rain lilies are low-maintenance and need less feeding.
Ongoing Care
Deadhead spent blooms to prevent seed formation but leave stems and foliage intact until they yellow — the leaves recharge the bulb. Stake tall varieties if needed. In cold zones (below zone 7), dig up calla lily and rain lily bulbs in fall and store in peat moss in a cool, dry location over winter. True lilies are hardier and can overwinter in the ground with a thick mulch layer. Lilies make exceptional cut flowers and combine beautifully with dahlias, gladiolus, and baby's breath in arrangements.