Lilies develop roots from the basal plate of the bulb, not from along the stem. Plant them as they are now......in time the bulbs will pull themselves down to the proper depth for their type and location by their roots. Search 'contractile roots' for more information.

Just what I needed to know -- thank you!

Some links off the web that may be helpful:

From the North American Lily Society, Care of Lilies:

http://www.lilies.org/culture/care-of-lilies/

From the Manitoba Lily Society web page, Let's Grow Lilies:

"Starting from below the surface of the soil the lowest organs are the roots. Two types of roots are recognized, basal roots and stem roots. The large basal roots serve the dual purpose of absorbing water and nutrients and also of anchoring the bulb deeper into the ground. The stem roots arise on the stem between the bulb and the surface of the soil and serve primarily to absorb water and nutrients. They, of course, die with the stem each fall. Not all species, e.g. Lilium candidum, produce stem roots."

http://www.manitobalilies.ca/Articles/Novice/Lilium%20Bulbs.htm

From the B&D lilies web site: "The stem roots (just below the soil surface) are the "feeder" roots, those produced at the bottom of the bulb (Basal Plate) are "contractile roots" that keep the bulb from tipping over in wind." Check out the Container Growing section: "A container at least 8 to 10 inches deep is recommended, even if there is only an inch of potting soil below the lily bulb - lilies can do with a reduced number of basal plate roots the first summer, but must have enough soil covering the bulb to grow stem roots or they will not be able to take in nutrients easily. Do not plant with only a light covering of soil, intending to "fill in later" because that method will not encourage feeder roots if the portion of stem that should be underground is hardened off by the sun."

http://bdlilies.blogspot.com/2012/04/shipping-stem-roots-potted-lily-bulbs.html

Have fun!