Bring some LA hybrid lilies into your garden

The LA hybrid is a relatively new addition to the lily world, having first been introduced in 1992. The name comes from the fact that it was developed by crossing Longiflorum lilies with various Asiatic lilies. The result is a lily that is very hardy and disease-resistant. I have several LA hybrids in my own garden, and they are absolutely sensational! The blooms are generally quite large, bowl-shaped, upward-facing, and often fragrant. The blooms will also last a long time in cut flower arrangements. (In fact, LA hybrid lilies were first developed for the cut flower industry.) In addition, they come in a wide range of colors from white to brilliant red. (You can actually find more colors than you would among the Asiatic lilies.) Heights range from 54-68 inches; although, even at these heights, they will not need staking.

As with all lilies, LA hybrids need to be deeply planted -- at least eight inches or wrist-deep. They can tolerate average soil; however, it should drain well. Plant in full sun or partial shade. In the southern part of the United States were the summers are much hotter, they should be planted in an area where they receive some shade in the afternoon as protection from the hot afternoon sun. Also, as with all lilies (actually most perennials), weekly deep waterings are better than daily little squirts with the water hose. You want to encourage the roots to grow deeply into the ground; therefore, your lilies should receive about an inch of water once a week. (If you live in a really hot, dry area of the country, you may need to water twice a week.) Generally setting your sprinkler system to water for about 20 minutes will give your perennials enough water. If you are uncertain about how much water is getting to your plants, especially if you are using an overhead system, set some small plastic cups around underneath your sprinkler. After twenty minutes, check the water levels in your cups. You want to have at least one inch of water. If you do not, you will need to allow the sprinkler to run longer.

Personally, I think that LA hybrids look best when planted en masse. Their upright growth can make only even just three or four planted together look rather lonely. They do not spread as quickly as some other lilies; therefore, you may only need to divide them every 4-5 years. In addition, after the blooms are spent, do not cut back the stalks, through which the bulbs take in nutrients for the next year's blooming season. (I know people who have done so and who have lost their lilies in just two or three years.) Furthermore, if you decide to use your lilies in cut flower arrangements, leave about two-thirds of the stalk.

I have noticed that LA hybrid lilies are not as readily available in local gardening centers as other lilies. The ones that I have found have often been misnamed, being called Asiatic lilies instead of LA hybrids. Believe it or not, you can, however, find them at Sam's Club under the correct name. In addition, there are numerous online sites that offer a wide variety of LA hybrids for sale. You might check out B&D Lilies http://bdlilies.com/long.html, for example. Do note that some places will name LA hybrids as just a cross between Longiflorum and Asiatic without specifically naming them LA hybrid lilies. Some places will also call them Asiatic lilies with LA hybrid in small print underneath, implying that the LA hybrid is just a common name for that particular Asiatic lily.