Martagons are the very first lilies to bloom in my garden, and they're hardy to zone 3, for sure. Have you considered those? A little pricey and slow to increase, but totally worth it, IMHO. They'd fit all your requirements (including fragrance). My favourites (so far) are Mrs. RO Backhouse and Dalhansonii.

I should mention that last year we had an unusually late spring frost, and I had no blooms on my martagons. However, they tolerate (and even thrive in) shade, so you could have them growing in a very protected spot.

The wild Wood Lilies (Lilium philadelphicum) are the first to bloom around here, by a couple of weeks. They're not that exciting but I like them. Just as they are finishing, the earlier Asiatics start. Have you tried any Asiatics? They bloom in July for me. Tiger Lilies are just after them, they might actually be too late for you because mine are blooming right now and it was a very early growing season this year.

Yes, try asiatics. Most are in full bloom around here right now, so even if yours are later, they should still bloom for you. One of my favorites right now is Grand Cru. It doesn't multiply rapidly, but is a real attention getter. Another of my favorites is Lemon Pixie. Multiplies like crazy and fits everywhere. I have an unknown that looks like Fiesta Gitana. Some years it looks faded and blah, but this year it is awesome (it looks best in rainy years). Actually, I haven't met an asiatic I didn't love. They are no care, and most multiply well. Maybe I'll take pictures tomorrow. I wouldn't order any...most places like to ship on the really late side for us to plant them. Go to nurseries and see what's left over...the box stores are starting to put anything left over half off right now. Come to think of it, I'll hit Home Depot tomorrow and see if they have any lilies left.

Well, as a reference, get a printed copy of the T&T spring catalogue. T&T has their lilies marked as early, mid and late.......so that might help you.

I am in zone 2 and its been really cold here the last few days.....but my lilies are still blooming away. My approximate garden season is about 86 days. Of course we get the occassional frost in the summers as well. Whats the approximate # of days for your growing season?

I recommend starting with some of the early asiatics.... some pixies. Usually the shorter stemmed ones are earlier.

I have one type of martagon that blooms early and one type that blooms later. My experience with 'grand cru' is quite a bit different from the above poster....I am over run with them. LOL.

Sierra

You can find Honey Queen at
http://www.plantlilies.com

Plantlilies has many of the tough hardy Canadian lilies and they do ship all over the world.

When in Fairbanks I saw many lilies at the university gardens.

inanda

Oh, I see Honey Queen at PlantLilies now! (I was searching for it as one word). Thanks -- I'll definitely give that one a try. And thanks for your other suggestions!

My asiatics survive just fine, but I must have picked up later-blooming varieties -- while they are loaded with buds, they're nowhere near actually blooming. I just need to find some early-blooming varieties...

Why not try 'Marlene' this one multiply well and loaded with blooms. It is very soft pastel pink and beautiful. I have at least 25 or more varieties including Orange Marmalade Martagon, Mrs. ROBack House, Terrace City, and list goes on. White double tiger is beautiful but the flower is not as large. Oriental on the third year I found mine to be blooming but the flower size are much smaller which I have yet to find out why. Any suggestions???

Because Orientals bloom so much later than the asiatics, some years the bulb doesn't have enough time to mature and store enough energy to do well the next year. This is why planting them in a warm, sheltered spot like the south side of a house is where they do the best. I really haven't had a whole lot of luck with orientals in the past. Two or three years of bloom, and then they quite coming up all together. But, I now have a couple on the south side of my house which came thru the winter with flying colours, so maybe they'll last a bit longer.

laurie z3 mb,

Thanks! Unfortunately, I can't plant mine facing south cause it is all concrete. :( I have planted shocking in 2004 and it came back with massive flowers the following year.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/85998262@N00/sets/72157594232594628/

venuscat