A master gardener's tips for growing lilies A master gardener's tips for growing lilies Lilies are the most regal of all flowers - true garden aristocrats. Stunning in cut arrangements, potted, naturalized, or in formal gardens, lilies are favorites of florists, landscape designers, and home gardeners alike. Lilies are as easy to grow as any other perennial if you select varieties that are suited to your growing region and follow a few simple rules. All are equally lovely, so making choices for your garden will be difficult. Most lilies grow best in region 8 northward through the warmer areas of region 4.
Lilies do poorly in the desert southwest.
In the western sections of growing regions 9 and 10, lilies should be planted where they will receive afternoon shade. While they do not require special soil, lilies must not be planted in any location where water will stand on the bulbs. A porous, rapid-draining soil is best. If your soil contains too much clay, add sand, moistened peat moss, or compost to increase porosity. It has been said that lilies, like clematis, prefer their heads in the sun and their feet in the shade.