Even the most beautiful lily bulbs will not produce flowers if planted in the wrong place. These flowers are demanding of conditions: they need sun, cool roots, and light soil. Errors in choosing a location lead to the fact that the plants either do not bloom at all or quickly turn yellow and disappear.
Here are five places where lilies definitely cannot survive even with the most careful care.
1. In the deep shade under dense trees or near a solid fence
Lilies need a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day. Without this, the stems stretch, the leaves become smaller, and the buds do not form. It is better to choose areas where it is sunny in the morning and afternoon, and light partial shade in the evening.
2. In lowlands and holes where water stagnates
Lily bulbs do not tolerate dampness. In waterlogged soil they quickly rot, especially in spring and autumn. Even short-term stagnation of water can kill a plant within a week. A slightly elevated location with a slight slope is ideal.
3. On heavy clay soil without drainage
Clay does not allow water and air to pass through. The bulbs suffocate and rot. If the soil is dense, be sure to add sand, humus and fine gravel before planting. Lily roots need oxygen, without it there is no growth.
4. Near vigorous perennials such as delphiniums, hostas or irises
These plants have a powerful root system that draws out all the moisture and nutrition. Lilies, with their shallow roots, are left without nutrition. It is better to plant them separately with a distance of at least 30–40 cm from other large plants.
5. On the south side next to a concrete wall or asphalt
Concrete and asphalt heat up during the day and give off heat at night. Lilies in such a microclimate overheat, especially in July–August. Their bulbs require coolness, otherwise the formation of buds for the next year is disrupted. In addition, the soil next to hard surfaces dries out quickly.
The right place for lilies: a sunny, ventilated area with light, loose soil and good drainage. If the sun is too hot, you can lightly shade the roots by planting low plants nearby, such as alyssum or calendula. This will create a shadow cap for the soil, but will not cover the plant itself.
