I usually stick to roses, azaleas, rhododendrons and perennials like nepeta and lavender... but I'm trying to branch out and try some more bulbs. :) I have some irises, but they're so easy in my zone that I don't really even count myself as a gardener with those. I just plunk them in, forget about them, then enjoy their grace and beauty.

Recently I was out shopping and was tempted by pretty photos of lilies on bulb packages. I bought a few on a whim, without researching them at all and without any knowledge of lilies (except that they usually need cold). When I got home I looked them up and found out they are asiatic lilies (lilium asiatic).

My zone is 9b (inland) so we are HOT HOT HOT and DRY DRY DRY usually, but we also have a chilly season where it gets into the 40's and 30's (0-5 celsius) in December and January.

Are these bulbs going to need to be refrigerated in order to be strong? Can I just plunk them down in the soil? I was surprised to read they need to be at least 6 inches down... but they're tall so it makes sense. I have a microclimate spot in my yard that tends to be cooler, but also gets some sun during the day and I think it would be a good place for them. It's near some rock outcroppings so that would help to hide their beanstalk-like stems and just let the blooms pop out from behind the rocks. Any other tips for me? Here's what I got (photos taken from the web)... you can see why I was tempted into an impulse purchase. They're gorgeous! Thank you for your help. :)

Lilium Asiatic "Mapira"

Lilium Asiatic "Navona"

Lilium Asiatic "Prunotto"

Lilium Asiatic "Rosella's Dream"