Included here is the giant of them all Cardiocrinum giganteum (Syn. Lilium giganteum), a few Asiatics and pest and disease.
Cardiocrinums or Giant Himalayan Lilies grow up to 10 feet tall and are monocarpic (die after flowering) it takes around 5 years to flower from bulbs which develop as offshoots from the original before it dies. If you are extra patient it takes around 7 years from seed. They prefer a rich acid soil with some shade and unlike other lilies are planted with the nose of the bulb at the surface of the soil. The large glossy rosettes of leaves can be 12″ across, so plenty of space needs to be given. The flowers are born very high up on the stem, are 6″ or more long and highly scented, to stand near a group on a warm humid day is an exceptional experience.
Although I much prefer Oriental Lilies I have a grown a few Asiatics, ‘Night Flyer’ is a favourite.
The above are a few “Patio Hybrids” I had as a bonus offer, only 12″ high, very attractive flowers but unfortunately no scent.
The number one pest experienced by lily growers is the Lily Beetle, appearing first on fritillaries and later on lilies they are capable of great damage in a comparatively short time. The grubs only develop on these genera and are easily recognised by the fact they wrap themselves in their own excrement so if you see any nasty looking dark blobs on your leaves, usually at the axil, you know what they are. The easiest method of control is to be vigilant and pick the adults off as they appear and crush them but be careful they are tricky devils and if allowed to drop on the ground they land on their backs and are virtually invisible.
I have come across a virus disease once and it can be devastating, although not fatal, the plant is severely weakened and never performs to the same degree. Spread by aphids, although aphid control and good garden hygiene helps, once the plant is infected the only way to deal with Mosaic Virus realistically is to uproot and burn it entirely.
As I finish the post I have taken delivery of some more lily bulbs. Looking forward to a summer full of scent!
Warning: Lily pollen is fatal to felines.
A Plantsman's World 