Lilies aren’t just packed with history and symbolism; they’re actually some of the oldest ornamental plants we’ve ever grown in our gardens. Depending on the variety you pick, you can find blooms in almost every color of the rainbow—from crisp whites and sunny yellows to deep oranges, fiery reds, and royal purples. But the big question every gardener asks is: when exactly do lilies bloom?
Different Bloom Times
The specific type of lily you choose doesn’t just determine the color; it also dictates the timing. Some early birds will be in full bloom as early as May, while others wait until the heat of August to show off. Of course, how long those flowers actually last depends on more than just the variety—it’s also about finding the perfect spot in your garden and giving them a little TLC.
A Guide to Popular Varieties
To help you plan your garden calendar, here’s a quick look at when some of the most popular lilies typically hit their peak:
- Madonna Lily: May
- Wood Lily: May to July
- Martagon Lily: June to July
- Oriental Lily: July
- Regal Lily: July
- Leopard Lily: July
- Trumpet Lily: July to August
- Tiger Lily: July to August
- Showy Lily: July to August
- Goldband Lily: August
How to Stretch the Season
While you can’t really force a lily to bloom outside its natural window (that’s up to the variety you buy!), you *can* help the flowers last longer. Lilies tucked away in sheltered spots—protected from heavy wind and rain—usually stay beautiful much longer than those out in the elements. Light is also key; most lilies actually prefer a bit of partial shade over baking in the intense afternoon sun.
Feeding and Deadheading
If you want to get the most out of your plants, try giving them a little boost with a bloom-boosting fertilizer right when the buds start to form. And here’s a pro tip for next year: make sure to “deadhead” (snip off) the wilted flowers as soon as they fade. This stops the plant from wasting energy on making seeds and lets it store all that power in the bulb for an even better show next summer!
