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kentstar_gw

Lillies

17 years ago

Hi all. I'm thinking ahead already, as I'm sure many of you are. I'm thinking of trying to grow some VERY FRAGRANT lillies in my garden this spring. Is there any types that are very fragrant? What type can I grow in this zone (5b)? Any suggestions would be helpful. Are they perennial or annual?

Thankyou,

kentstar

Comments (4)

  • 17 years ago

    oriental lilies are very fragrant but i have not found the asiatic ones to be so. orientals bloom later than the asiatics. they should be perfectly hardy for you as perennials. good drainage is important. i grow them in part sun but you could probably grow them in full sun (avoid hot sites with late-afternoon sun).
    do a web search for "oriental lilies" and you will find many sources and information. they are usually available at the box store garden centers, too, in spring.
    they get bigger and better each year as the bulbs grows larger. the taller varieties may need staking if grown in too much shade.

  • 17 years ago

    Thankyou Jeff for the info! I think I will try the local stores in the spring. They are more than likely a lot cheaper anyway.

  • 17 years ago

    I'm in a similar zone, and true lilies do fine here in full sun or a little shade. As Jeff said, good drainage seems to be their biggest issue.

    Lots of varieties are fragrant (trumpet, martagon, etc.), but to my nose many have a musk that's a little too heavy. Orientpets are supposed to be great, but mine just doesn't seem that strongly scented. Could be where I have it planted.

    I agree with Jeff that orientals are the best. Have heard that the white one called 'Casa Blanca' is considered by some to be the most fragrant, but I like the more colorful ones like 'Stargazer' and 'Mona Lisa.' I also like their shorter, non-floppy height. There are so many, though, and they tend to be cheap enough that you can always experiment and dig up what you don't like.

    They could already be in the box stores by now, but be sure to check that they're plump and not at all moldy. Reputable nurseries do tend to get the best ones. They're perennials, and they'll eventually spread--especially since so much of Ohio has that nice soil.

    Good luck! You may even have a lily society near you. If so, they will give you great information and possibly have sales.

  • 17 years ago

    I love the fragrance of Oriental lilies.

    In general, if they are rust, orange or yellow they are likely Asiatics with no fragrance though there are some yellow Orientals.

    I have an NoId yellow trumpet that smells fantastic, I bought them potted at Home Depot.

    I bought Regale lilies twice in packages that turned out to be pale yellow Asiatics, they were from different suppliers too.

    You can often find Stargazer and it's look alikes potted in floral departments at big box stores and grocery stores. I've bought many for reduced prices when they were done blooming and planted them.