There are many other factors which can influence the
hardiness of lily bulbs in general, including the planting
conditions, growing conditions throughout the season,
and the biggest stress, our unpredictable weather. What
have I done to help them overcome the stresses of weather?
Mulch, mulch and more mulch!
Mulch is effective in controlling ground temperature,
moisture levels, pests and soil born diseases. Mulch
spread throughout the beds, to a depth of even 2 inches
is very beneficial in keeping moisture in the ground
- I cannot stress this enough, certainly not in these
recent years of drought we are all experiencing! I would
recommend mulch to a depth of at least 4 inches wherever
possible, but any depth is better than none at all
Mulch also provides extra winter protection during
years without snow cover. I highly recommend applying
mulch over varieties that are under particular stress,
and/or are less hardy (such as the orienpets, trumpets
and orientals) to a depth of 6-8 inches for winter.
Mulch is effective in keeping the ground temperature
consistent in spring, and slowing the thawing process
so that the lilies will emerge a little later than those
without mulch, and perhaps escape the late spring frosts
as a result. Slow and steady ground temperatures encourage
good root systems to develop before top growth begins.
Truth be told, it is highly recommended to remove mulches
in early spring, prior to stems sprouting so that they
emerge on schedule (mulched ground unthaws slower than
unmulched areas) and then you don't risk them freezing
in fall before they get the chance to bloom. Because
of my heavy work schedule in spring, it's near impossible
for me to find the time to remove mulch from the gardens.
We had a few late frosts this past spring, and damage
was evident on flowers in every area except the mulched
areas, which escaped damage as they sprouted up a full
2 weeks after the lilies in unmulched areas did. Despite
late emergence, the orienpets, easterpets and asiapets
planted in the ground all bloomed on schedule.
We use bark mulch throughout our lily beds, and have
used dried grass clippings and sawdust in the past as
well. If using a form of wood mulch, extra nitrogen
fertilizer may be needed during the growing season,
as wood mulches tend to deplete the nitrogen content
in the soil quicker.
