Lilies can be the backbone of a flower border when provided the right location and proper soil. They grow from 3-6 ft. tall and about 2-3 ft. wide when planted in an area with some afternoon shade. All benefit from soils that have been amended to a depth of 8-12 in. with bark compost, oak leaf mold and peat moss. Best bloom results when they are fed liquid fertilizer twice a month and watered twice-a-week. The following varieties have the greatest tolerance for alkaline soils such as Nevada. Provide protection during growing season if rabbits are a problem in your area.
L. candidum (Madonna Lily) — 4 ft. tall by
1 ft. wide; white fragrant flowers in July
L. henryi (Orange Tiger) — 6 ft. tall by 2 ft. wide; orange flowers from July-August that curve backward
L. x aurelianense (Aurelian Hybrid Lily) —
6 ft. tall by 2 ft. wide; flowers in all shades except blue from July-August
L. flavum (Golden Flax) — 1 ft. tall by 1 ft. wide; bright yellow flowers from June-August; mulch in winter.
L. perenne (Blue Flax) — 18 in. tall by
12 in. wide; almost leafless stems; blue flowers; seeds easily, good in meadow mixes