Dear John: Unlike most other lilies, Lilium candidum must be planted with the soil just, and barely at that, covering the bulbs. In the LA area I would suggest just a touch of shade in the hottest part of the day. These are tough lilies and I have seen bulbs that are almost falling apart recovering and doing well. The straight species, say from the Netherlands, are often smaller flowered and Cascade Strain is far superior. In the Napa Valley I planted many of these in quite good shade, only direct sun for a few hours in the afternoon. Problems will occur if the foliage is damp all the time, as for example within range of sprinklers. The soil should be able to 'warm up' and as long as there is nothing stopping the roots from spreading wide and to about 8-10 inches, these should give no problem. Hope this helps, Cheers, John E. Bryan Floral Architecture wrote: > > Can anyone answer my question? I have several of these > lilies planted in various location in OH. They green > up in the fall and this is the first year that several > of them have bloomed. They were planted 2 years ago. > Does it normally take longer for these lilies to > establish themselves and flower or are they just in > bad locations and wil never be the beauties they are > supposed to be? > They are all in mostly medium clay soil with organics > added. The whole area drains really well. It has been > raining here for days. I planted some things and > watered them in even though it was still soggy and the > water ran through and didn't lay on top so I know that > it is really good drainage here. > So, what do these things need? > All the other lilies are doing really great. > > ===== > John Ingram in L.A., CA. > http://www.floralarchitecture.com/ check it out > jjingram@adelphia.net > Floralartistry2000@yahoo.com > _______________________________________________ > pbs mailing list > pbs@lists.ibiblio.org > http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/list.php