Purple lilies are some of the most graceful and vibrant blooms you can add to your garden. Their striking color and elegant form make them a standout in any landscape, and with the right care, they can thrive for years.
These flowers bring a touch of royalty and calm to your outdoor space. They range from deep, velvety purples to soft, lavender hues. Whether you’re a new gardener or have years of experience, growing purple lilies is a rewarding project.
Purple Lilies – Graceful and Vibrant Blooms
This heading captures there essence perfectly. Their grace comes from their tall, willowy stems and recurved petals. The vibrancy is in the rich, often dramatic coloration that seems to glow in the sunlight.
Many varieties also have freckles or contrasting edges. This adds to their visual intrest and makes each bloom unique.
Popular Varieties of Purple Lilies
Not all purple lilies are the same. Choosing the right type for your garden’s conditions is key to success. Here are a few beloved cultivars to consider:
- Oriental Lilies: Known for their intense fragrance and large, outward-facing blooms. ‘Casa Blanca’ is a white with purple accents, while ‘Stargazer’ is famously pink with purple spots.
- Asiatic Lilies: These are earlier bloomers and come in brighter, sometimes more intense purples. They have little to no scent, which is great for those sensitive to perfume. ‘Purple Eye’ and ‘Night Rider’ are stunning examples.
- Trumpet Lilies: They feature long, trumpet-shaped flowers and a sweet scent. ‘Purple Prince’ is a regal option in this category.
- OT Hybrids (Orienpets): A cross between Oriental and Trumpet types. They are robust, tall, and have beautiful purple shades. ‘Scheherazade’ is a standout with its dark maroon and purple tones.
How to Plant Purple Lilies Correctly
Planting lilies correctly from the start gives them the best chance. The most common method is from bulbs, which are planted in the fall or early spring.
- Choose the Right Spot: Purple lilies need well-draining soil and at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal in hotter climates.
- Prepare the Soil: Work the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Lilies prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil.
- Plant the Bulbs: Dig a hole 3 times as deep as the bulb is tall. For most lilies, this is about 6 to 8 inches deep. Place the bulb pointy-side up, cover with soil, and water well.
- Spacing: Space bulbs about 8 to 12 inches apart. This allows for good air circulation, which prevents fungal diseases.
Caring for Your Lilies Through the Seasons
Once planted, purple lilies are relatively low-maintenance. Follow these seasonal tips for heathy plants.
Spring: As shoots emerge, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Summer: Enjoy the blooms! Deadhead spent flowers by cutting them off, but leave the stem and leaves intact. This allows the plant to store energy for next year. Water during dry spells.
Fall: After the foliage turns yellow and dies back, you can cut the stems down to ground level. In colder zones (below USDA zone 5), add a thick layer of mulch for winter protection.
Winter: Lilies are dormant. Avoid watering them and let them rest. If you have heavy clay soil, consider lifting the bulbs and storing them in a cool, dry place over winter.
Common Pests and Problems
Even graceful lilies can face a few challenges. Being proactive is the best defence.
- Red Lily Beetle: This bright red beetle is a major pest. Hand-pick them off plants and check the undersides of leaves for their larvae, which look like brown sludge.
- Aphids: These small insects can spread virus’s. Blast them off with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Botrytis Blight: A fungal disease causing brown spots on leaves. Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove affected leaves.
- Poor Flowering: Often caused by too much shade, overcrowded bulbs, or inadequate winter chill. Divide bulbs every 3-4 years in the fall.
Using Purple Lilies in Garden Design
Their vertical form and bold color make purple lilies excellent design elements. Here’s how to use them effectively.
Plant them in groups of three or five bulbs for a bold statement. They work wonderfully in the middle or back of a mixed border, where their stems can rise above shorter plants.
Consider these companion plants:
- Silver foliage plants like Artemisia or Lamb’s Ear make the purple pop.
- Soft yellows and whites, such as Shasta daisies or coreopsis, create a cheerful contrast.
- Ornamental grasses add texture and movement that complements the lily’s structure.
They also make exceptional cut flowers. Cut when buds are just beginning to open and remove the orange anthers to prevent pollen stains.
Propagating Your Purple Lilies
Want more of these vibrant blooms? Propagating lilies is straightforward. The easiest method is by dividing bulblets.
- In the fall, carefully dig up a mature clump of lilies after the foliage has died back.
- Gently separate the small bulblets that have formed around the base of the main bulb.
- Replant the main bulb and the new bulblets immediately at the proper depth. The bulblets may take 2-3 seasons to reach flowering size, but it’s a cost-effective way to expand your collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are purple lilies perennials?
A: Yes, they are perennial bulbs. With proper care, they will return and multiply each year in your garden.
Q: How long do purple lily flowers last?
A: Each individual bloom lasts about 1-2 weeks on the plant. By planting different varieties, you can extend the overall blooming season from early summer to early fall.
Q: Can I grow purple lilies in pots?
A: Absolutely. Use a deep pot with excellent drainage and a quality potting mix. Ensure they get enough sunlight and water regularly, as pots dry out faster.
Q: Are purple lilies toxic to pets?
A: Yes, lilies are highly toxic to cats, and can be harmful to dogs. All parts of the plant are dangerous. It’s best to avoid planting them if you have pets that like to chew on plants.
Q: Why are my purple lily leaves turning yellow?
A: Yellowing leaves at the end of the season is normal. Yellowing during the growing season can signal overwatering, poor drainage, or a nutrient deficiency. Check your soil conditions.
Adding purple lilies to your garden brings a reliable source of majestic color. Their elegant blooms stand tall, offering beauty and a sence of tranquility. By following these simple steps for planting and care, you’ll ensure these vibrant flowers grace your garden for many seasons to come. Remember to watch for pests, provide ample sunlight, and enjoy the process of growing these remarkable plants. There’s nothing quite like the sight of purple lilies opening up to the summer sun.