If you’re planning your garden, a common question is how tall do lilies grow. Knowing the maximum height of lilies helps you place them perfectly in your beds and borders.
Lilies are stunning bulbs that offer incredible vertical interest. But their height can vary dramatically, from petite patio varieties to towering giants that demand attention. This guide will break down everything you need to know about lily heights, so you can choose the right ones for your space.
How Tall Do Lilies Grow – Maximum Height of Lilies
The simple answer is that lilies can grow anywhere from 1 foot to over 10 feet tall. Most common garden lilies fall into a range of 2 to 6 feet. The maximum height is influenced by the lily’s type, its genetics, and the growing conditions you provide.
To get the most out of these beautiful plants, it’s essential to understand the different groups. Each has its own typical height range and growth habits.
Lily Types and Their Typical Heights
Lilies are categorized into several divisions. Here’s a quick look at how tall you can expect each group to get.
- Asiatic Lilies: These are often the shortest, typically growing 2 to 4 feet tall. They are early bloomers and come in a huge array of colors. Perfect for the front or middle of a border.
- Oriental Lilies: Known for their intense fragrance, these usually reach 3 to 5 feet. They are a classic choice for mid-border and make excellent cut flowers.
- Trumpet and Aurelian Lilies: These are the tall, elegant types. They commonly grow 4 to 6 feet, with some varieties reaching even higher. Their trumpet-shaped blooms are spectacular.
- Oriental-Trumpet (OT) Hybrids: A cross between Orientals and Trumpets, these robust plants often hit 4 to 7 feet. They have strong stems and large, fragrant flowers.
- LA Hybrids (Longiflorum-Asiatic): Slightly taller than pure Asiatics, these grow about 3 to 5 feet. They combine the hardiness of Asiatics with the larger blooms of Longiflorum.
- Species Lilies: These are the wild types. Heights vary wildly. For example, the native Canadian Lily may be just 2 feet, while the legendary Lilium parvum can soar to 8 feet or more in ideal conditions.
Factors That Influence Lily Height
Even within a specific type, your lilies might grow taller or shorter. Here are the key factors that control their ultimate size.
1. Genetic Potential (The Variety)
The most important factor is the variety you choose. A dwarf Asiatic lily will never grow 8 feet tall, no matter what you do. Always check the plant tag or catalog description for the expected mature height. This is your best starting point.
2. Sunlight Exposure
Lilies need at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. More sun generally leads to stronger, taller stems and better flowering. In too much shade, stems will stretch weakly toward the light and may flop over, even if they don’t reach their full potential height.
3. Soil Quality and Nutrition
Rich, well-drained soil is non-negotiable. Lilies are heavy feeders.
- Amend planting holes with plenty of compost.
- Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer when shoots emerge in spring.
- A lack of nutrients, especially phosphorus and potassium, will stunt growth.
4. Watering Consistency
Lilies like consistent moisture, particularly during the growing season. Deep, regular watering encourages strong root systems, which support taller top growth. Erratic watering causes stress and can limit height.
5. Climate and Weather
A longer, cooler growing season often allows lilies to reach greater heights. In very hot climates, they might bloom quicker but on slightly shorter stems. A mild spring is ideal for robust growth.
Steps to Support Your Lilies’ Maximum Growth
Want to help your lilies reach their full, glorious height? Follow these practical steps.
- Plant at the Right Depth: This is crucial. Plant bulbs three times as deep as the bulb is tall. Deep planting encourages a strong, anchoring stem and prevents toppling.
- Choose the Right Location: Pick a spot with full morning sun and afternoon shade in hot regions. Ensure the site has excellent drainage to prevent bulb rot.
- Prep the Soil: Dig a hole 12 inches deep. Mix the native soil with a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost and a handful of bone meal for root development.
- Space Them Properly: Give bulbs 8 to 12 inches of space. Crowding competes for resources and can reduce overall plant vigor and height.
- Stake Early: For varieties expected to exceed 3 feet, insert a slender stake near the bulb at planting time. As the stem grows, tie it loosely to the stake. This prevents wind damage and supports vertical growth.
- Mulch and Feed: Apply a 2-inch mulch layer to retain moisture. Feed with a high-potassium fertilizer (like a tomato feed) every two weeks from emergence until flowering.
- Deadhead Spent Blooms: Remove faded flowers to prevent seed production. This directs the plant’s energy back into the bulb for next year’s growth, rather than wasting it.
Managing Exceptionally Tall Lilies
Some lilies, like certain OT Hybrids or species, are real skyscrapers. Here’s how to handle them.
- Staking is Mandatory: Use a sturdy 5- to 7-foot bamboo cane or metal rod. Secure the stem in several places with soft ties.
- Shelter from Wind: Plant them against a fence, wall, or among sturdy shrubs that break the wind. A exposed, windy site will lead to broken stems.
- Consider Bloom Weight: The enormous flowers on top of tall stems can be heavy. Grouping several stems together and staking them as a clump can provide mutual support.
Common Height-Related Problems and Solutions
Sometimes lilies don’t grow as expected. Here’s what might be happening.
Problem: Stems are short and flowers are small.
Solution: This is often a sign of nutrient deficiency or overcrowding. Feed them and consider dividing bulbs in the fall if the clump is dense.
Problem: Stems are tall but weak and flopping.
Solution: Likely insufficient sunlight. They may also be over-fertilized with nitrogen, which promotes soft growth. Relocate to a sunnier spot next season and adjust your fertilizer.
Problem: Plant didn’t reach last year’s height.
Solution: Bulbs may be exhausted or affected by pests like lily beetles, which weaken the plant. Ensure you’re not cutting back foliage too early, as it replenishes the bulb.
FAQ About Lily Height
What is the tallest lily variety ever recorded?
Some species lilies, like Lilium arboricola, are known to reach over 10 feet in their native habitats. In gardens, OT Hybrids like ‘Scheherazade’ or ‘Black Beauty’ can reliably hit 6 to 8 feet.
Can I control how tall my lily grows?
You can influence it with conditions, but you can’t make a tall variety stay short. Choosing a genetically shorter variety is the only sure way to control height.
Do lilies grow taller every year?
They will increase in height and number of blooms as the bulb matures for the first few years. After reaching maturity, the height will stabilize, assuming conditions remain consistent.
Why are my neighbor’s lilies taller than mine?
Small differences in soil, microclimate, sun exposure, or the specific bulb strain can cause height variations. Their soil might be slightly richer or they may water more consistently.
Should I cut back the stem after blooming?
No. Leave the green stem and leaves intact until they turn yellow and die back naturally. This process is how the plant gathers energy for next years growth and height.
Understanding how tall do lilies grow helps you design a more beautiful and manageable garden. By selecting the right type and providing good care, you can enjoy these magnificent flowers at their full potential. Remember to always check the expected height when buying bulbs, and plan your garden supports early in the season. With a little forethought, you can have a stunning display that reaches for the sky.