Asiatic Lilies are a true lily, one of the easiest bulbs to grow, and are long-lived perennials. They will increase in both beauty and number year after year with only minimum care. Gardeners love lilies for their vibrant, trumpet-like flowers in colors of white, pinks, reds, yellows and oranges atop striking, deep green foliage. Nothing brightens the garden like Asiatic Lilies with blooms from mid to late summer. Their three main requirements are deep, loose, well drained soil with ample organic material, ample moisture year round, and full sun to light shade in hotter areas. Asiatic lilies also make excellent container plants to bring in and enjoy while blooming. Plant height is from 20" to 36" depending on variety.
Among the most familiar are the Day Lilies in their many forms from the miniature or dwarf Border Day Lilies to the more obvious large Standard Day Lilies. These are perennials with grass like arching foliage and showy flower spikes in colors of yellow, gold, orange, pink, red and lavender. They do best in full sun to part shade in hotter inland areas giving them regular watering being sure to water thoroughly during bloom. Bloom time can run from early summer to fall depending on specific varieties. The dwarf Border Lily varieties have foliage from 11" to 28" tall and flower spikes 14" to 28" tall. The flowers are approximately 2" to 4" across. Because of their dwarf and more compact habit compared to Standard Day Lilies, they are excellent for borders, pathways and foreground planting in cottage style and perennial gardens. Standard Day Lilies have foliage from 24" to 48" tall and flower spikes 36" to 60" tall with flowers approximately 3" to 8" across. Because of their robust size and growth habits, Standard Day Lilies are an excellent choice for background and foundation planting.
Calla Lilies are native to South Africa and grown as a perennial outdoors in milder climates. They prefer fairly moist, rich soil in full sun to light shade. These will grow in moist areas where other bulbs can't, and can even be grown in shallow water around ponds and bog gardens. They will often bloom twice a year, in late spring and again in fall. Callas can also be grown as a houseplant if kept on the damp side in a bright location. In hot climates they prefer afternoon or shifting shade. These are very effective in mass plantings; cut flowers can last up to 2 weeks in a vase. New hybrid callas offer a fantastic array of colors from whites to reds, yellows, pinks, oranges and lavenders. The very dark green, tropical looking leaves are often whimsically spattered with white splotches depending on variety.
