Tree lillies - advice needed

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by AdrianBg, Jan 10, 2021.

  1. AdrianBg

    AdrianBg Gardener

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    I just received some Tree Lily bulbs (they were on offer at Thompson & Morgan) which I will grow in some large pots. I believe the advice is to plant them in March in a cool greenhouse.

    What should I do with them in the meantime? Leave them in the packaged up somewhere frost free? Or should I pot them up now, leave them in the greenhouse and forget about them for a while?
     
  2. zilly

    zilly Gardener

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    I have just bought 9 of these from Thompson Morgan, lovely big bulbs. Have planted them in the ground a good 6 inches in the ground, we live in Dorset so most bulbs etc survive the winters here.
     
  3. AdrianBg

    AdrianBg Gardener

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    Thanks Zilly. I'll pot them up then and put them into the greenhouse.
    Anyone know if 35cm (14") pots would big enough for 3 bulbs?
     
  4. Freddy

    Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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    I had some, quite a few years back. I don’t think I’d be putting 3 in a pot that size. In a couple of years, the ones I had grew to well over 6ft. Can’t you put them in the ground? If you must pot them, maybe just one in a pot that size, and if it were me, I’d leave them outside, otherwise you might run the risk that they will start into growth before their time.
     
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    • Mike Allen

      Mike Allen Total Gardener

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      Good points Freddy. I grow lilies and have been a member of the RHS Lily group for many years. Truthfully I consider these tree lilies something of a step too far in plant sciences etc.
       
    • JWK

      JWK Gardener Staff Member

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      If you do put them in a pot use ericaceous compost. If you do put them in soil remember they need acid conditions.
       
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      • AdrianBg

        AdrianBg Gardener

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        Thanks guys, I do have some 45cm terracotta pots, I'll re-pot them into those and add in some ericacious compost.
        They won't go into the ground this year as I'm still figuring out my garden (new house) but I will probably plant them out next winter when I know where to put them. My soil is slightly acidic here in the lower reaches of Kent away from the Downs.
         
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        • AdrianBg

          AdrianBg Gardener

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          .. should have added, I will also take them out of the greenhouse
           
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          • Spruce

            Spruce Glad to be back .....

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            keep in the fridge for now if not ready to plant
             
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