Lily Facts

Lillies are surely one of the most exotic looking flowers that can be grown in British gardens or gardens in other nations with temperate climates. They look great in borders, raised beds and containers. Here are some Lily facts.

Lilies are grown from bulbs. They are planted just as you would plant a spring bulb such as Tulip or Crocus.

Asiatic Lilies found in gardens are derived from central and East Asian species and also interspecific hybrids.

They can be planted from autumn until spring for flowering the following summer.

Lilium is the latin name. There is 108 genus in the Liliaceae family.

There is some plants called Lillies that are not true Lilies, such as Water Lilies and Calla Lilies. True Lilies has funnel shaped flowers with long Stigma and Stamens in the centre.

Scarlet Lily beetles can damage Lilies if they lay their larvae on the stems.

In Christianity the Lily is associated with purity and innocence.

In Ancient Greece it was a flower that represented motherhood and an old practice of offering a rose or a lily was said to reveal if a woman was expecting a boy or a girl. If she reaches for a Lily the baby would be a boy, if she reaches for the rose it would be a girl.

They are poisonous to pets and humans if they are eaten. This is not a flower that is recommended for gardens with small children.

Lilies are also a popular cut flower for indoor vases. One well known problem though is Lily pollen stains. As it is a powder not a liquid stain it is best not to wet the stain. Placing the fabric in direct sunlight can help eliminate the stain. Another possibility is to us sticky tape to lift the powder. Resist the urge to touch the pollen as this can press it into the fabric, and the natural oil on your skin can make the pollen set into the fabric. If there is still a stain try a dry cleaning solvent. Then lastly, if the stain remains try washing at the highest temperature possible using a liquid laundry detergent.

BUY LILIES

The image at the top is Lily 'Black Jewel'. It is a deep purple, almost black Lily and flowers in July and August. It makes a great contrast when planted alongside white or yellow Lilies. Available from Thompson & Morgan 5 bulbs £11.99 / 10 bulbs £17.99. To order click on the image or HERE.

To view their whole Lily collection view HERE.