REPLY: [pbs] Deeper planting bulbs
DaveKarn@aol.com (Mon, 17 Nov 2003 12:35:02 PST)
Hello ~
. . .the expert I consulted also recommended deep planting, in part because
the deeper the cooler, and in part because the deeper, the better the root
system and the sturdier the stem which, especially with lilies, tends to be a
weak point. I am sure you've seen lilies splayed out on the ground with
their over heavy blooms just weighing down the poor
stems. Supposedly planting bulbs deeper is a way to counter this
phenomenon.
Whether the stem of a given lily will stand stiffly upright with its
inflorescence ( within consideration ) is not necessarily influenced so much by
planting depth as it is by genetics.
The stems of the trumpet and Aurelian lilies of Division VI are notorious for
not being able to stand on their own when in bloom without being staked
(almost irrespective of planting depth). In many cases, this is because they
descend from Lilium henryi, a species with a weak stem or from one of the trumpet
species with weak stems. Trumpet lilies with a closer affinity to Lilium
regale, on the other hand, are rather more able to stand on their own. Many of the
4n forms of these lily hybrids ( Division VI ) tend to have very strong,
sturdy stems that will support the heavy inflorescence. One will occasionally
find some stem weakness in the Asiatic hybrids, but it is not common, as these
hybrids will hold the inflorescence on a stiffly upright stem and descend from
species where this is a dominant trait.
Jane and the others are certainly right, however, on the need for deep
planting ( often as much as 7-8" of soil over the tip of the bulb ) as many lilies
produce an abundance of roots from the underground portion of their stems.
These roots serve to nourish the plant during growth and last only one season.
Roots produced from the basal plate are much fewer in number, tend to be larger
and heavier, are perennial in nature and serve to anchor the plant and absorb
water. When planting lilies, it is important to remember that they revel in
a loose, organic soil that drains well but holds some moisture. Many lilies,
after blooming, do appreciate somewhat drier conditions.
There are some species that do not produce stem roots, Lilium martagon is
often said to be one. In my experience, this is not wholly true as a stem will
sometimes produce a few. I understand that this species, being native to light
woodland conditions, is not exposed to heavy winds and, thus, does not need
to be firmly anchored to the soil, as would a lily native to windy grasslands.
Best,
Dave Karnstedt
Cascade Daffodils
Silverton, OR USA