Lilies add sparkle, fragrance to the summer garden

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At four to six feet tall, the ‘Silk Road’ lily floats above other perennials from mid-July to early August. | photos courtesy of www.whiteflowerfarm.com

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Updated: October 25, 2011 12:30AM

Throughout history, in paintings and in Shakespeare‘s prose, the lily always has been a symbol of innocence and purity, as well as beauty. In contemporary gardens, lilies also can add a stately elegance to your designs, whether on an acred estate or in containers on a downtown balcony.

Lilies start as bulbs, which make them really easy to grow. Bulbs also are a simple way to target specific color in crowded beds.

Asiatic lilies will easily multiply or naturalize over the years, creating a riot of color in mid-summer. Tuck in Oriental lilies or Orienpets such as ‘Casablanca’ or ‘Silk Road’ among the hostas as they prefer cool soil and low-growing companions at their feet. Sounds like royalty to me!

Orienpet Lily

Lilium, ‘Silk Road’: Orienpet lilies are the hybrids of Trumpet and Oriental lilies. Their huge, white flowers with crimson throats grow up to 8 inches across and sit atop stems that spread to two feet across. They have very fragrant and sturdy blooms that open two weeks before the Oriental lilies. Tip: You can have a continuous bloom of lilies when you plant a combination of Asian lilies (they start blooming first), Trumpets, Orienpets and Orientals.

Oriental Lily

Lilium ‘Casablanca’: Large, fragrant, pristine white flowers float on 48-inch, gently curving stems. This lily is truly the standout of an Oriental lily family that includes the pink, speckled Star Gazer. Lilies need six to eight hours of sun a day in soil with good drainage so bulbs won’t rot. Blooms in July and August.

Rio Negro: Deep crimson petals with a chocolate brown center. Fragrant and spectacular.

La Claridad: Large scented flowers are white with a light blush of pink. Pairs well with blues such as Russian Sage (Perovskia) and the annual Salvia.

Asiatic lilies

Asiatic Lily hybrids: Make a grouping of just one color or combine a rainbow of colors for a show that can last for six weeks. Asiatic lilies have strong upright stems with sturdy flowers that are able to stand up to the elements. Each bulb will flower the first year and continue to flower and multiply for many years. Available in white, cream, yellow, orange, peach, pink, raspberry, red and many other colors. Tip: 25 bulbs will cover 12 square feet.

Lily speciosum var. rubrum

Rubrum lily (Red Japanese Show Lily): Long-lasting, carmine-red flowers float above purple stems in sun to partial shade or light shade. Deadhead flowers after they bloom, but wait until later when leaves turn yellow to cut them back to about two inches above the ground. Spring and fall are the best times to transplant bulbs, but bulbs can be planted at any time. Matures to 36 to 40 inches tall.

Things to do

Take a shot

A picture is worth a thousand words. Attend the photography workshop at Millennium Park’s Lurie Garden and learn how to capture the feel of a garden as the late sun adds warmth to your photos.

Where: Lurie Garden, Columbus and Monroe

When: 6-8 p.m. July 13. Pre-registration is required and space is limited.

More information/registration: (312) 742-8497

Cost: $15 for material fee.

Bee there

How about a festival of all things related to bees? Celebrate urban beekeeping in the Demonstration Garden at Garfield Park Conservatory. Summer’s honey is fresh from the hive and ready for tasting. There also will be activities for kids, live music and honey for purchase.

Where: Garfield Conservatory

When: 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. July 23

Registration: Call (773) 638-1766

Cost: $3 donation fee.

Garden walk

It’s the season for taking it easy and admiring other gardeners’ hard work. The 53rd Annual Dearborn Garden Walk is a must-see for city- oriented gardens. Over 20 private gardens and designer vignettes of outdoor rooms are available to visitors along with live classical music and jazz. In addition, take an archi-tectural tour that starts at 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. or 5 p.m.

Where: Latin Lower School lobby, 1531 N. Dearborn Parkway

When: Noon until 5 p.m. July 17

More information: Call (312) 632-1241 to register. Or, check online at www.DearbornGarden Walk.com.

Cost: $30 in advance; $35 on the day of the walk.