'Asiatic Hybrids' (Lilium)
The Asiatics are the hardiest of all the lily hybrids. They do very well in U.S.D.A. Zones 3 to 10, are easiest for the beginner, multiply the fastest, and are the first to flower each season. They come in a wide range of colors -- white, yellow, orange, red, pink and all shades and color combinations, except the color blue. Flowers are mostly upfacing with a few dainty garden gems carrying outfacing or pendant blooms; all will be exciting when the buds unfurl. These hybrids multiply rapidly and bloom over a long season. Although generally unscented, a light scent can be discerned on warm, still days.
Bulbs are mostly five to six inches in circumference, with many of the shorter-growing lilies naturally forming smaller-sized, mature bulbs in the three- to five-inch range. Bulbs are white with a varying amount of pink tint. Bulb color does not determine flower color; most lily bulbs will turn pinkish when exposed to sunlight during harvest. When planting, cover Asiatic lilies with 3 to 4 inches of fluffy soil, according to the bulb size -- smaller bulbs more shallow.
The photo above shows an Asiatic bulb in the process of dividing into three, new daughter bulbs. Two or three years following such a division, you would want to dig, divide, and replant the "clump" allowing the bulbs more room to grow and further divide.
Bulbs are mostly five to six inches in circumference, with many of the shorter-growing lilies naturally forming smaller-sized, mature bulbs in the three- to five-inch range. Bulbs are white with a varying amount of pink tint. Bulb color does not determine flower color; most lily bulbs will turn pinkish when exposed to sunlight during harvest. When planting, cover Asiatic lilies with 3 to 4 inches of fluffy soil, according to the bulb size -- smaller bulbs more shallow.
The photo above shows an Asiatic bulb in the process of dividing into three, new daughter bulbs. Two or three years following such a division, you would want to dig, divide, and replant the "clump" allowing the bulbs more room to grow and further divide.
