Asiatic Lilies

The term Asiatic lilies is used to refer to a group of herbaceous flowering plants belonging to the genus lilium. These plants are typically native to temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. They are grown in abundance in several regions of North America, Europe and Asia. These lilies are quite popular owing to their beauty, which makes them ideal garden plants. Their soaring popularity in various regions of the world can be attributed to the fact that they are quite easy to grow. Asiatic lilies, meaning symbols of pride, purity and flirting, have also been cited in numerous literary works, and play a prominent role in several cultures across the globe.

Asiatic Lilies

Not many people are aware of the fact that Asiatic lilies are grown from bulbs. In fact, they are harvested in several parts of the world owing to their edible bulbs. They are typically characterized by a fleshy stem, blade like leaves, and relatively large flowers, which resemble a trumpet. These flowers bloom in a range of colors, including white, pink, yellow and red. Among the different types of lilies, around a 110 species belong to this genus. Many people believe that all the plants with a common name 'lily' are lilies. The fact, however, is that only the plants that belong to a certain genus are actually lilies, genus lilium being one of them, and hence are referred to as the true lilies. Most of the other species are referred to as lilies only by people who lack any knowledge about horticulture, and this genus of flowering plants.

How to Grow Asiatic Lilies?

Owing to the fact that these lilies are grown from the bulbs, you will have to visit your nearest nursery to get some Asiatic lily bulbs. The staff at the nursery would be in better position to tell you which species would be ideal for your region. However, you do have the option of buying potted lilies from the nursery, and replanting them in your yard - an ideal option if you lack patience.

The best time to plant Asiatic lily bulbs is in spring or early fall. Choose an area wherein the plants will receive ample sunlight at least for the half of the day. Though these plants will grow in different types of soil, well-drained soil is known to bring out the best in them. You will have to dig small homes for each of these bulbs, and plant them individually. If the bulbs are small, you should ideally plant them 2-4 inches below the surface, and if they are large, you should plant them 4-6 inches below the surface. Not surprisingly though, planting these species in groups can give your garden a colorful appearance.

In order to stimulate proper growth, you will have to resort to fertilizers, at least once in a year, ideally in spring season. Yet another important aspect of Asiatic lilies care is mulching, which has to be undertaken every fall. Experts suggest that it is wiser to leave the mulch until the last frost, and simultaneously you should clear the dead foliage of the plant to facilitate proper growth.

The fact that they are one of the easy to grow species of lilies make Asiatic lilies quite popular among cultivators, and hence you are bound to find them in abundance in regions where they are grown. More importantly, their abundant availability ensures that they are within your reach, in terms of money, all year round. Once you grow them in your garden, you will see hordes of butterflies flocking your garden, which will again add to its beauty.