10 EXPERT TREE LILY TIPS

1 Although tree lily bulbs are available throughout spring, order bulbs now and plant before the end of March to be rewarded with flowers this summer.

2 If growing in pots, choose a large container and fill with John Innes No 2 compost, planting bulbs 10-15cm (4-6in) deep and spacing 15cm (6in) apart.

3 In borders, tree lilies enjoy moisture-retentive, welldrained neutral or acidic soil in sun or part shade. Bulbs can be spaced more generously in borders at around 25cm (10in) apart, planted at the same depth as in pots. Deep planting protects bulbs from frost and heat.

4 Tree lily bulbs dislike soggy soils. Where soil is heavy or lacking in nutrients, fork-in lots of well-ro ed manure or compost prior to planting.

5 Once the planting hole has been excavated, si ing bulbs on a layer of horticultural grit will help to boost drainage and prevent rot. There’s no need to lift bulbs over winter unless your soil is prone to waterlogging.

6 Water regularly once bulbs are actively growing. Tree lilies are sturdy and selfsupporting (mature stems can often be 5cm/2in thick) but where stems are laden with flowers and plants are growing in exposed situations, occasional staking may be necessary.

7 From late spring, feed fortnightly using a highpotassium liquid fertiliser such as tomato food to encourage flowering. Continue feeding fortnightly for six weeks after flowering.

8 When blooms have faded, remove spent flowers and use secateurs to snip off seed pods, leaving stems and foliage in place until autumn. It’ll help bulbs to build up reserves for next year.

9 Stems and foliage will remain lush throughout summer. In late autumn, when foliage turns brown and withers, cut stems back to ground level and compost the waste.

10 Lilies, especially lily pollen, can be poisonous to cats, so they’re not recommended for gardens where pets roam.