Planting and growing your OT lilies
● OT lilies play well with other plants; the old adage ‘feet in the shade, head in the sun’ suits them perfectly and most new hybrids are very vigorous given good conditions. They’re very adaptable to most soil types and pH but give their best in a well-drained loam. As with all lilies, their dislike is poorlydrained conditions; bulbs can rot if planted in soil that’s excessively wet. Bulbs are best planted in spring about 15cm (6in) deep.
● Grown among herbaceous perennials they’ll rise above their neighbours, adding height and exuberant drama. As they have a small footprint, they take up little garden real estate so can easily be slotted in among other plants. OTs also fit the bill when looking for a subject to add colour in a shrub border, their height and strength of growth means they easily compete with the bulk of large, woody plants, provided they have enough space and direct sunlight to thrive. The shrubs then provide a leafy backdrop to the rich saturated blooms.
● They can be grown in large containers of free-draining multi-purpose compost. Adding a portion of loam to the mix can help feed the bulbs while also adding weight, making them less likely to blow over in windy conditions.
● All perform brilliantly as cut flowers, though the scent of some is so intoxicatingly powerful that a single bloom may be enough indoors, others are more delicately perfumed.
● There are few hardy plants as adaptable and easy as the lily which will provide such a vibrant spectacle of colour and drama in our gardens.