
Oriental lilies, also known as liliums, are tall perennials prized for their graceful blooms and heady perfume. They can be grown in most climates in Australia and are easy and rewarding to grow in your garden. Oriental lilies grow from bulbs planted in small clusters during the cooler months. They require a sunny spot, or one that is lightly shaded, and moist, well-drained soil. They should be fertilised twice a year and mulched during summer to keep their roots cool. With the right care, your Oriental lilies will thrive and produce dramatic, bowl-shaped flowers with jewel-like colours and a strong fragrance.
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What You'll Learn

Oriental lilies grow well in most Australian climates
Oriental lilies, with their dramatic, bowl-shaped flowers and heady perfume, are a stunning addition to any garden. The good news is that lilies grow in most Australian climates, and they can be incorporated into gardens of any size. Oriental lilies are part of the Lilium genus, which includes true lilies.
Oriental lilies are best grown in morning sun or light shade. They prefer humus-rich, moist, acidic soil. They will tolerate poorer soils if you fertilise them well, so add some well-rotted compost or manure fertiliser to give them a boost. Good soil drainage is essential to ensure the bulbs do not rot during their dormant stage in winter. If the ground puddles after rain, you will need to improve the drainage.
Oriental lilies grow from bulbs that are planted in small clusters during the cooler months. They should be planted immediately after purchase as the bulbs are vulnerable to drying out. Dig the hole twice as deep as the bulb is tall, around 10-20cm, depending on the variety. Place the bulb with the tip pointing up and refill the hole. Plant bulbs about 20-40cm apart, with 10-20cm between bulbs, depending on their size. Placing the bulbs so that they lean slightly inward will encourage mutual support for tall stems. You can also insert a stake in the centre for central support as they grow.
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Plant bulbs in small clusters in autumn or winter
Lilies grow from bulbs planted in small clusters during the cooler months, typically autumn or winter. They can be grown in pots or garden beds, but they require a cluster to grow properly. For garden planting, position the bulbs 20-40cm apart, leaving 10-20cm between them, depending on their size. For pot planting, use a deep pot with a minimum 200mm diameter, and plant up to three bulbs per pot, leaving 75mm between them.
Before planting, prepare the soil by mixing through a compost-type material such as well-rotted animal manure. Acidic soil is preferable, so add some controlled-release fertiliser to acidify the soil. Dig the hole twice as deep as the bulb is tall, and place the bulb with the tip pointing up. Backfill around it and water it well. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
Oriental lilies are the absolute stars of the lily world, with large, heavily perfumed flowers in shades of white, pink and yellow. They can also be spotted, striped, or have wavy petals. They range in height from 70cm to 1.3m.
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Choose a spot with morning sun and protection from the afternoon sun
Lilies are a delight to have in your garden, and they can be grown in most climates in Australia. However, when choosing a spot to plant your lilies, it is important to select an area that receives morning sun and is protected from the hot afternoon sun. This is because lilies, also known as liliums, prefer a consistent supply of water and do not like to dry out. By choosing a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade, you can help prevent the lily bulbs from drying out and ensure they receive the moisture they need.
When selecting a location for your lilies, look for an area that receives full sun to part shade. Morning sun is ideal for lilies, as it provides them with the energy they need to grow without the intense heat of the afternoon sun. If your garden receives strong afternoon sunlight, consider planting your lilies in a spot where they will be partially shaded during the hottest part of the day. This could be near a wall, fence, or larger plants that can provide some shade.
In addition to morning sun and protection from the afternoon sun, it is also important to ensure your lilies have well-drained, acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. You can improve soil drainage by adding organic matter such as compost, well-rotted animal manure, or gypsum. Acidic soil will help your lilies thrive, and you can acidify the soil by mixing in a compost soil improver or a controlled-release fertiliser.
When planting your lilies, it is recommended to plant the bulbs in small clusters during the cooler months, such as autumn or winter. Dig a hole that is twice as deep as the bulb is tall and place the bulb with the tip pointing up. Space the bulbs about 10-20 cm apart, depending on their size, and backfill the hole. Water the bulbs well and keep the soil moist, but not soggy. With the right location, soil, and care, your lilies will thrive and bloom beautifully.
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Prepare the soil with compost and fertiliser
Preparing the soil with compost and fertiliser is an important step in growing Oriental lilies in Australia. Lilies prefer humus-rich, moist soil with an acidic pH. Before planting, it is advisable to mix in a little compost and fertiliser to improve the soil. Well-rotted animal manure or a complete fertiliser containing NPK can be used. If you are planting in pots, a bulb-specific potting mix is recommended, with a complete fertiliser mixed in. Lilies will tolerate poorer soils if you fertilise them well, so it is a good idea to add some well-rotted compost or manure fertiliser to give them a boost while they are establishing.
Compost helps to improve soil structure and fertility, providing essential nutrients for plant growth. It also helps to maintain moisture in the soil, which is crucial for lilies as they prefer moist conditions. By mixing compost into the soil before planting, you can create an ideal environment for your lilies to thrive.
Fertilisers are essential to provide additional nutrients to the soil that may be lacking. Fertilising lilies twice a year is recommended: once as the foliage emerges in spring and again at the end of summer as the plants die back. This will ensure that your lilies receive the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and abundant blooms.
When preparing the soil, it is also important to consider drainage. Lilies prefer well-drained soil as they are susceptible to root rot in heavy, poorly drained conditions. If your soil is heavy, you can improve drainage by mixing in organic matter such as compost and manure, as well as adding some gypsum.
By preparing the soil with compost and fertiliser, you will create optimal conditions for your Oriental lilies to grow and flourish in your Australian garden.
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Water regularly to keep the soil moist but well-drained
Oriental lilies require regular watering to keep the soil moist but well-drained. They prefer a consistent supply of water and do not like to dry out, so it is important to consider their watering needs when choosing a location for your lilies.
Before planting, you should prepare the soil by mixing in a little compost to improve the soil structure and its ability to retain water. Lilies prefer humus-rich, moist soil with an acidic pH. If you are planting in a pot, use a bulb-specific potting mix.
Once you have planted your lilies, water them in well. You should see growth above ground in 1-2 weeks. Keep the soil around the lilies moist but not soggy. Mulching around the plants will help to suppress weeds and keep the lily roots cool throughout the summer.
Good soil drainage is essential to ensure that the lily bulbs do not rot during their dormant stage in winter. If the ground puddles after rain, you will need to improve the drainage by working in plenty of organic matter, such as compost and manure, as well as some gypsum.
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Frequently asked questions
Oriental lilies should be planted in late autumn to early winter.
Oriental lilies grow best in humus-rich, moist, acidic soil with good drainage.
Oriental lilies prefer full sun to part shade, with protection from hot afternoon sun and strong winds.
Oriental lilies like a consistent supply of water and should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.











































