Late Summer-Blooming Lilies

Late-Summer Lilies

• Late-season lilies are classified as flowers that bloom from the end of July through August and into September in most locations. Common lily cultivars that develop late summer-blooming flowers include Chippewa Star, Ducat and Yellow Tiger. Skydancer is one of the largest late-season lilies that can grow up to 6 feet tall, making it a good background plant for dwarf cultivars such as Cidlina and Red Velvet. Read the descriptions of lilies carefully at nurseries or home and garden stores to ensure that you plant a lily that fits your landscaping needs.

Site Selection and Preparation

• Lilies develop from large underground bulbs that store nutrients for the plant over winter. The bulbs require moist, well-drained soils with high nutrient levels in order to develop healthy flowers in late summer. Mix organic compost into the parent soil at the planting site to improve soil drainage and provide additional nutrients needed for healthy bulb and flower development. Lilies grow best in slightly acidic soils -- pH around 6.5. Amend the soil with ammonium sulfate or granulate sulfur in order to lower the pH, if needed.

Planting

• Lily bulbs can be planted in early spring or late fall. Plant late-season lilies six to 10 inches apart and at a depth of 4 to 5 inches below the soil surface. The deep planting depth encourages lilies to develop roots along the stem in summer, which helps stabilize the plant and support the tall growth above the ground. Handle the bulbs gently to prevent injury to the scales that cover the bulb.

Care

• Fertilize the soil when late summer-blooming lilies start to develop shoots. Apply a general, well-balanced garden fertilizer once a month to encourage healthy flower development. Place stakes in the ground near the plant and attach flowering stalks to the support with twine to prevent wind damage. Monitor the foliage regularly for signs of pests such as thrips and aphids. Pinch off the flowers as they wilt to prevent seed pod formation and encourage development of new flowers.