MADONNA LILIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 January 1941, Page 9

MADONNA LILIES

EARLY PLANTING NECESSARY. In one respect Liliurn candidum is unique among lilies. It is the only species which, in addition to the summer flowering stem, makes a certain amount of autumn growth. This fact is not only interesting, but important, as it affords a distinct clue to the cultivation of the plants. Autumn growth commences in February and it is imperative to get the bulbs into the soil during the short period which elapses between the ripening of summer growth and the making of the autumn foliage. Otherwise, the foliage growth, which plays a not inconsiderable part in strengthening the bulbs, will certainly suffer. The same is true of purchased bulbs. Kept in storage they commence growth while still out of the soil. The culture of Liliurn candidum still remains something of a mystery. In seme districts its growth can only be described as rampant, in others, constant failures arc as irritating as they are inexplicable. There’ is little doubt that it has a preference for medium or heavy land, for the gardens, where it is marked down as a plant that will not grow, are very often on light, gravelly or sandy soil. The .nilbs should . not be buried deeply. It is not a stem-1 rooting species and is always happiest, when planted at a depth which allows! of the bulbs receiving some benefit * from the warmth of summer sunshine. , Two inches of soil above the bulb is ■ rufficient. It is also a good plan to surround the bulbs with a handful of clean, sharp sand. Unlike many species. Madonna lilies j hnv.- m.i a definite aversion to lime: j they might almost be marked ns lime- j lovers, but they will not appreciate too j generous supplies - . Once established the ■ bulbs should never he disturbed unless I absolutely necessary M my of the m.-ig-i niflccnt clumps soon in older land re-1 main undisturbed for 20 or .20 years', op end It is, therefore, tvit<. rolect the .'.he with care