Dig at least 12 inches down, loosening the soil. Plant lily bulbs 6 to 10 inches deep, depending on the size of the bulb, putting loose fertile soil above the bulb as well as below it. It's dismaying to plunge a shovel into an apparently empty spot and come up with half a destroyed lily bulb. Lilies will bloom from early June through August. The earliest to open are the Asiatics, brightly colorful and intriguing, from about 1 foot to 4 feet in height.
Asiatic lilies lack fragrance but have great garden presence in a full range of sunset colors.
They grow beautifully in containers, and would develop for June bloom if planted in containers now. In July and August, Trumpet, Aurelian, and Oriental hybrids produce great showy flowers. These plants grow from 2 to 8 feet, or even taller depending on the variety. One of the most popular Orientals is 'Casablanca,' a pure white with petal quality like slubbed silk shantung, and a deep penetrating scent. The Imperials have distinct freckled spots on pure white petals and a spicy fragrance.