I recently purchased a home in central Texas (near Austin), and have found some lovely lilies planted by a previous occupant in a flower bed on the NE side of the house. The location is sheltered and receives only morning sun. The soil is quite alkaline due to the high limestone content of the ground in this region. These plants bloom from late June through mid-July, generally with only one or two blossoms per plant. Overall, the plants typically reach a height of 2 to 3 feet. Might these be L. pardalinum, or perhaps close kin? Thanks in advance for any advice, Glen Martin Leander, TX
Thanks. Tiger Lily had been my first thought, but I had been looking to other varieties because I had it in my mind that Tiger Lilies exhibit more branching structure and produce more blooms. Is this a misconception on my part, or are my plants merely undernourished?
>> The soil is quite alkaline << How alkaline? Most lilies will thrive in slightly acidic soil, pH 6.5 Lilium tigrinum prefers lime-free soil and full sun.
> How alkaline? Most lilies will thrive in slightly acidic soil, pH 6.5 > Lilium tigrinum prefers lime-free soil and full sun. I've not measured it, but around here the ground has large chunks of limestone about 6 inches below the surface. Since I have ready access to as many pine needles (which are acidic) as I can carry, I've been contemplating bringing in a few bags to use as mulch. This might help. And given what you've told me about the sunlight preferences of L. tigrinum, I might try potting up some of the bulblets to eventually plant in a sunnier spot. Is there a preferred method for harvesting the bulblets to avoid damaging them? I'm a bit new at all of this, and I appreciate the advice. Glen
