How to Grow Asian Lilies

Asiatic and Oriental lilies, sometimes grouped together as "Asian lilies," are prized for their ornamental value, exceptionally large size and strong floral aromas. Despite their ornate appearance, Asian lilies are surprisingly easy to grow and care for. They do quite well in USDA Hardiness zones 7 through 10, but they will also grow in zones 5 and 6 with extra attention during winterizing. Once established, Asian lilies need very little attention outside of annual mulching.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

• Garden fork
• Compost
• Manure
• Peat moss
• Lily bulbs
• Mulch

1. Prepare the planting area. Choose a spot that has well draining soil and gets 6 to 10 hours of full sunlight every day. Work the soil with a garden fork to a depth of about 8 inches. Spread a 4-inch layer of compost, manure or peat moss over the bed, and blend it in with your garden fork.

2. Dig holes that are about 6 to 8 inches deep. Dig holes in clusters of three, with about 5 inches of space between each hole, and leave about 12 inches of space between each cluster.

3. Plant a single bulb in each hole with the pointed end facing up. Fill the holes back in with soil, and water the flower bed thoroughly until the soil is moist.

4. Water the bed daily or every other day to keep the soil moist until the plants break through the soil. When this happens, stop watering the lilies unless you experience unusually dry weather.

5. Deadhead blooms once they wilt and turn brown. This will allow more flowers to bloom throughout the growing season. Cut back the leaves at the end of the season when they fade and wither. This will keep the bulb viable throughout the dormant season. Spread a 4- to 6-inch layer of mulch over the bed around mid to late autumn to protect the bulbs from freezing during the winter. Add a thicker layer of mulch, about 8 to 10 inches, if you live in colder regions. Remove the mulch when all danger of frost has passed.