Utilizing the Beauty of the Trumpet Lily in Your Garden

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Posted by @magnolialover on
Trumpet lilies are something every garden should have. On July evenings their wafting, subtle, sweet fragrance transmitting through the air and towering large blossoms can brighten every garden. A few tips will help you to add these beauties to your garden with success. Once you've added some, you will likely want more. These long-lived bulbs, when planted correctly, can provide years of enjoyment and add beauty to your landscape.

Trumpet lilies are often tall, and if they are planted in a shady or even a partly sunny location, they will lean to reach the sun. Planting trumpet lilies in full sun is best With site selection you will want to remember they can be very tall, so the middle or back of a border would be preferential. You want to be able to watch them tower over shorter plants. Trumpet lilies can be 5-7 feet tall and taller in many cases. Trumpets may be planted in part sun, but will lean, and continue to grow and flower just fine.
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USDA hardiness zones list them in zone 4-9, though I know gardeners in zone 3 that have had success by providing winter mulch. Very early spring or late fall are the best planting times. Having a well-drained location, and soil mixed with a generous amount of compost at planting time will be beneficial. Excellent drainage is essential. These lilies don't tend to multiply. Instead,, the bulb may increase in size if it is "happy," thus providing more blossoms.
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Because trumpet lilies can get very tall, pushing a stake into the ground at planting time will help in preventing damage to the bulb after it has emerged. Oftentimes the first year of growth after planting does not show the lily's height potential. In subsequent years you will find the stake very useful. Supporting the blossoms, which tend to be very large, with a stake and flexible soft tie will help keep the stem upright and show off the gorgeous flowers when they bloom.
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These lilies come in a variety of forms and beautiful colors, such as white, shades of pink, and yellows, some with picotee edges. As with many lilies, cooler nights will give them a more pronounced color.
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Hummingbirds and other pollinators are attracted to trumpet lilies, making them an asset to any garden. Their fragrance and beauty will accent your garden in July, as they tend to bloom over several weeks. Trumpet lilies are available in commerce or through Regional Lily Societies sales.

 
Comments and Discussion
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Great article by Cem9165 Jul 8, 2015 10:51 PM 1

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