These majestic plants have a long history dating back some 3000 years as vases and frescoes of the Minoan civilisation were found ornamented with them.  

And they are just as popular today with May being the lilium bulb-planting time.      

In Tasmania we have, in most areas, a fairly wide range of good, well-draining soils of moderate acidity and favourable climatic conditions needed for the successful cultivation of the lilium family, especially the hardier, new varieties.   

The most essential requirement for the cultivation of liliums is a well-drained soil. If you have any problems with drainage the best option is to build raised beds about 30cms in height. 

Another important factor is the addition of organic matter to the soil. Whether it be in the form of bracken fern, very old rotted manure, compost or a combination of all three, it’s not important, the main thing is that they should be well-dug in. This is one of the fundamental rules in all fields of horticulture.

The groups of liliums as well as the species are many and cannot be covered in one article, but basically liliums are divided into four main groups -  Asiatics, Trumpets, Orientals and Species.  

Asiatics are the first to flower beginning in late October, Trumpets bloom in December, Orientals flower from January to March and Species bloom through spring and summer. 

My favourites are the lovely trumpets because they come in such a range of colours, sizes, heights and flower shapes, blooming for many months. Lilium regale is one of the finest of this group reaching up to 120cm high with trumpet-shaped flowers, externally rose-purple in colour and internally white passing to a delicate sulphur yellow in the throat.

Another group of really easily grown liliums are the Aurelians which were developed after World War II.  

These can be found in many flower shapes and colours and bloom mostly in January, but with careful selection some will flower earlier in December and later in February. I find that most gardeners fall in love with them at first sight.

We are lucky that we can grow most of the rare and delightful species whether they originate from western China, Japan or eastern America. 

Feed with a fertiliser with a NPK of 5-8-8 or similar. A fertiliser designed for tomato plants would be ideal for liliums.

Most liliums, especially the Orientals, like an acidic pH soil of 6.0.

The two northern lilium societies have a range of liliums for sale. Saturday May 26, the Northern Tasmanian Lilium Society has an assorted bulb sale at Windmill Hill Hall, High Street, Launceston, from 10am to 2pm.  On Sunday June 3, the North-West Lilium Society will be offering a huge range of lilium bulbs at the Latrobe Memorial Hall from 11am to 1pm.  

These sales are an excellent opportunity for gardeners to purchase quality bulbs and ask for advice on the cultural requirements of these fascinating lilies from gardeners who have been growing them successfully for years.  

June 19: Australian Plant Society meets at the Max Fry Hall, Gorge Rd, Trevallyn at 7.30pm. Speaker is Christine Howells on ‘The Flora of Central Australia’. Visitors most welcome. 

June 20: The Launceston Horticultural Society meets at the Windmill Hill Hall, High Street, Launceston at 8pm. Visitors welcome. 

June 21: The Launceston Orchid Society meets at the Newnham Uniting Church Hall, George Town Road, Launceston at 7pm. 

Daily: The Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden,  Romaine, Burnie. Open 9am to 5pm. Tea room open 10am to 4pm.