Where do you live? Do you have a place to plant it outdoors?

lilydude,

I am pretty sure I live in Zone 5, still not sure since there are conflicting thoughts.

But, yes, I could make a space to plant it indoors.

OUTDOORS, Maridy!
I am pretty sure that's what Lilydude meant. If you have a spot for it in the garden and the soil is not frozen yet, go ahead and plant it!

Oops, my bad. Right, outdoors. Sooo, just dig a hole 6-8 inches deep and put the thing in the soil? Any fertilizer needed or anything? I think the ground is pretty good in our garden, but we just moved in two months ago, and as I said, I'm new to gardening so I'm not sure about anything.

Hi Maridy,

In general, oriental lilies prefer at least part sun light conditions (but cool bulbs) in a somewhat acidic, well drained, soil. Planting the bulbs 8" deep will help keep them cool during the hot part of the day and is important also because lilies are "stem rooting" which provides extra nutrition to the bulb. However, the great thing about lilies is that most of them are very tolerant of less than ideal conditions.

Just make sure the spot isn't soggy (so the bulbs don't rot) and that it gets at least a few hours of sun, but other than that they aren't too fussy. I have Rubrum planted in heavy Maryland clay and part shade that are doing fine. If you want to make things a little more ideal for them, mix some peat moss in when you plant them and top mulch with shredded pine bark mulch (that you can get anywhere) or pine needles if you have them. This should make them happy on both the pH and the bulb temperature counts.

But pretty much if you just throw them into the ground they'll grow.

And Rubrum is a butterfly magnet. Enjoy!

-Helen

Maridy,
welcome to the GF and gardening! You will find gardening addictive (in a good way), and very therapeutic.
As far as GF people - the best bunch! Always there for you with advice, support, always share your joy and happy for your success. The best crowd to be around. Good luck!
~Natalie