Question
"Lilium lancifolium"
Greetings,
Seven years ago we moved residence and I took one Tiger Lilly with me. Now I have four hearty plants each measuring five feet tall. This year I have collected the bulbils from the stem axis and plan to grow them.(hope I said that right)
I want to plant them amongst other plants and shrubs. I'm a little concerned about the virus that the Tiger Lily might carry and how, or if it would effect other plants and shrubs. Is there certain plants/shrubs which are more tolerant? Less tolerant?
In regards to planting the bulbils, whens a good time to plant them and how deep? I know they will take root simply by dropping them on the ground.
Thank you for your time and knowledge.
Randy
AnswerHi Randy,
Thanx for your question. Lilium tigrinum/Lilium lancifolium is known to be a probably carrier of a number of diseases and viruses. It is sometimes referred to as the the "Typhoid Mary" of the garden. Susceptible plants are mainly other lilies and any other plant growing from a bulb or tuberous growth. I believe there would be no harm to shrubs or other plants. The best time to plant the bulbils is in the fall. Make a nursery bed which is just a small section of the garden in which you allow nothing else to grow. Plant the bulbils about 1 inch deep. They will have already started forming roots. Next spring, you should see the green growth begin emerging from the soil. It somewhat resembles grass. It will take them 2-3 years to get to blooming size.
I plan on harvesting some from a friends yard this fall, myself. And yes, viruses and disease can be spread via bulbils if they are growing on an infected plant. I hope this helps.
Tom
