1.Get the position right:

1. 1. a.Shade:  Australia has a lot of light and increasingly hotIn our climate, lilies generally appreciate some shade, especially the roots.
   2. b.Air circulation:  Planting the bulbs in areas with good air movement will substantially reduce the risk of fungal diseases in your foliage 

   2.Get the soil right:

1. 1. a.pH – generally lilies like a pH around 6.Orientals like it a bit more acid while martagons grow best at pH 7.  (Refer to the opposite page)
   2. b.Drainage isA lot of lilies are lost due to waterlogging in wet or over-watered situations, even in good soils
   3. c. 

3.  Look after the feeder roots: 

1. 1. a.Lilies obtain most of their nutrition and water from feeder roots that emerge from the stem just above the bulb a couple of weeks afterThese are quite shallow and easily dry out.
   2. b.Mulching is a great way to keep your lily roots cool and moist, increasing vigour and reducing the need to water so frequently 

4.  Don’t forget to water: 

1. 1. a.Lilies grow through the summer and are winter dormant so, while they are quite tough, they do need regular watering for good performance.
   2. b.Watering is especially important from emergence to flowering  

5.   End of season maintenance: 

1. a.Do not lift the bulbs unless they are too crowded or you want to move them.
2. b.Cleaning up crop debris will reduce your disease risk nextEither pull or cut the old stalks after the crop has died back.  

This bulb growing map will help identify the right bulbs for you.

The tulip bulb life cycle will give you an insight on how these fantastic plants grow and might work in your garden. 

These romantic ramblers with their exquisite flower forms and seed pods adorn your vertical surface. They screen where needed and intermingle with trees and roses. Some varieties are suitable to feature in containers climbing on a decorative frame.