Does a Lavender Lily Need Sun or Shade?

Growing Conditions

• The dainty, hyacinth-like appearance of lavender mountain lilies belies their ruggedness. They originated in the arid steppes of Central Asia where cold, dry air and unrelenting summer sun shaped their adaptations. Gardens with dry soil and full sun provide the right conditions for cultivation, although their slender, 15- to 20-inch-tall stalks are somewhat fragile and may break in strong winds, so they should be planted in a sheltered location. Lavender mountain lilies spend the summer months gathering energy through their foliage to enrich their bulbs. Dim growing conditions inhibit the process, diminishing their flowering display and ultimately shortening their lifespan.

Spacing and Planting

• Close planting yields the most spectacular flowering display in lavender mountain lilies, although each bulb still requires roughly 4 square inches of space to provide adequate room for root production. In mid-autumn, plant the bulbs in a prepared bed at a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Many bulbs balk at the heat close to a south-facing wall, but lavender mountain lilies thrive in such a position and will quickly naturalize, forming sprawling drifts. As with all bulbs, lavender mountain lily bulbs must be lifted and replanted every few years in autumn to reinvigorate their blooming.

Care Requirements

• Lavender mountain lilies can survive with only cursory care, although regular maintenance and attention will help prolong a plant's longevity and keep it blooming well. Provide 1 inch water each week during the active growing season, but water at the base to keep water from splashing on the foliage. As the flowers fade, sprinkle 1/8 cup of low nitrogen, 5-10-10 ratio fertilizer over each square foot of growth. Make sure the soil is moist when the fertilizer is applied, and water afterward to push it further into the soil. The spent flowers can be removed or left in place to mature into seed pods, which offer ornamental value with their round, blackish-blue berries.

Potential Problems

• Despite their innate adaptability, lavender mountain lilies are not without their problems. The most common problem afflicting the bulbs is poor planting. Both the proper spacing and depth must be observed to produce healthy, prolific plants, and they must be planted at the right time of year. Another common issue is bulb rot, which occurs when the bulbs are over-fertilized or grown in saturated soil. Apply the minimum amount of fertilizer and always let the soil dry out between waterings to allow the bulbs to breathe.