How to Grow and Care for Asiatic Lily Plants
Updated: May 09, 2023
Asiatic lily flowers come in a wide range of colors, and they're great for pollinators. Here's how to care for these blooming bulbs.
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Asiatic Lily Care
Botanical Name: Lilium asiatica
Growing Zone: 4 to 9
Light Needs: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Well-draining
Asiatic lilies grow best in full sun to part shade, with at least six hours of full sun preferred. Plant your Asiatic lily bulbs in late summer or early fall. Secure them in soil that drains well—plants and bulbs won’t tolerate consistently soggy soil and may rot in overly wet conditions. Bulbs should be placed at a depth of 8 inches and spaced 4 to 6 inches apart, with the flat end facing down.
When the petals on Asiatic lilies fade, carefully cut the blooms off, but keep the foliage intact. Fertilize when blooms emerge in the spring, and water when soil is dry. Be mindful of pests when growing these flowers. A variety of garden foes have a taste for Asiatic lilies, including aphids, moles, gophers, rabbits and deer.
Discover other lily flowers to add to your garden, including the more fragrant oriental lilies.
Asiatic Lily Garden Benefits
Plants typically flower in early or midsummer, depending on the variety. Not only do these beauties offer a sturdy place for birds to perch; they also attract beneficial pollinators. They make for lovely cut flowers, but be cautious; lily pollen can stain clothing or household surfaces.
Learn how to tell the difference between a true lily vs a daylily.
Where to Buy Asiatic Lilies
If you want to add Asiatic lilies to your garden, there are a wide variety of cultivars from which to pick. Asiatic lilies are available in a range of colors: white, orange, red, yellow and more. One gardener favorite is the Forever Susan lily, which blooms to a gorgeous shade of burgundy. Or try Mapira, one of the darkest lilies on the market, with satiny petals that are deep maroon, almost black, at the center. Hummingbirds love it! Check your local garden centers or online retailers to purchase Asiatic lily bulbs.
Next, marvel at dazzling pictures of lilies.
Originally Published: May 09, 2023
