If you love to spend time puttering in your garden, you probably already know what kinds of flowers thrive in it and which ones wither and die. When you need something dramatic, and aromatic, to use as a colorful backdrop for smaller clusters of blooms, you should consider ginger lilies. They are tall, some species reaching ten feet, and will make a dramatic and majestic addition to your garden.
You may not have heard the name, but if you have ever been lucky enough to vacation in Hawaii, the lei you got on arrival was probably woven with these flowers. It is sometimes referred to as the butterfly lily because the petals unfold gracefully in the late summer and fall when the flowers are in full bloom. They have a ginger aroma similar to the herb, but not as pungent. A lot of gardeners describe the scent as a cross between a gardenia and honeysuckle.
If you live in the southern region of the United States, between zones seven and eleven, you should have a lot of success with these plants. They will thrive in partial shade and sun. If you live in southern Florida however, the afternoon sun will probably be too hot for this flower. In colder regions, they grow very well in containers, which have to be relocated indoors during the winter.
You can't just plant them and let them go. The plants must have regular water and a balanced fertilizer feeding about once a week. If your plants are in containers, you'll have to divide them annually because the rhizomes will multiply. Staking the mature plants will prevent them from snapping in high winds.
One of the big benefits of planting this lily in your garden is its ability to repel insects. This is due to the oil it naturally generates. The plants must be watered regularly, but you don't want to over water them because that can rot the roots. This lily will bloom in the fall and late summer. The late blooming saves them from butterfly larvae. Deer will graze on them however.
You can propagate the plants from the existing rhizomes by dividing them. This can be done by cutting the rhizomes into sections that have roots. You soak them in a solution of fungicide powder and water. After they have soaked overnight you can plant them horizontally in organic soil. They grow fastest in spring and summer.
You might also propagate them by planting the seeds. The blossoms have seeds you can remove and store in a warm place for three or four weeks. After that you will have to soak them to soften the coating. It may take six weeks or longer for them to germinate. You should not plant them outside until all danger of frost has passed.
Flower gardens are wonderful additions to homes. Most gardeners don't mind the work it takes to get dramatic and colorful results. A backdrop of majestic lilies may be just the thing you need to complete your garden design.
You may not have heard the name, but if you have ever been lucky enough to vacation in Hawaii, the lei you got on arrival was probably woven with these flowers. It is sometimes referred to as the butterfly lily because the petals unfold gracefully in the late summer and fall when the flowers are in full bloom. They have a ginger aroma similar to the herb, but not as pungent. A lot of gardeners describe the scent as a cross between a gardenia and honeysuckle.
If you live in the southern region of the United States, between zones seven and eleven, you should have a lot of success with these plants. They will thrive in partial shade and sun. If you live in southern Florida however, the afternoon sun will probably be too hot for this flower. In colder regions, they grow very well in containers, which have to be relocated indoors during the winter.
You can't just plant them and let them go. The plants must have regular water and a balanced fertilizer feeding about once a week. If your plants are in containers, you'll have to divide them annually because the rhizomes will multiply. Staking the mature plants will prevent them from snapping in high winds.
One of the big benefits of planting this lily in your garden is its ability to repel insects. This is due to the oil it naturally generates. The plants must be watered regularly, but you don't want to over water them because that can rot the roots. This lily will bloom in the fall and late summer. The late blooming saves them from butterfly larvae. Deer will graze on them however.
You can propagate the plants from the existing rhizomes by dividing them. This can be done by cutting the rhizomes into sections that have roots. You soak them in a solution of fungicide powder and water. After they have soaked overnight you can plant them horizontally in organic soil. They grow fastest in spring and summer.
You might also propagate them by planting the seeds. The blossoms have seeds you can remove and store in a warm place for three or four weeks. After that you will have to soak them to soften the coating. It may take six weeks or longer for them to germinate. You should not plant them outside until all danger of frost has passed.
Flower gardens are wonderful additions to homes. Most gardeners don't mind the work it takes to get dramatic and colorful results. A backdrop of majestic lilies may be just the thing you need to complete your garden design.
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