Guide to Growing Dwarf Lilies

I have numerous types of lilies growing in my garden. Many of them, such as my 'Stargazer,' grow to be 4-6 feet tall. This is really not that unusual for many Asiatic and Oriental lilies. There are times, however, that you might like some lilies that do not grow to be quite so tall -- either to be used in the front of the border or even in containers. Fortunately, numerous varieties of lilies known as dwarf lilies or pot lilies, because they are excellent choices for container gardening, have been developed.

Several cultivars of dwarf lilies have been bred at the Oregon Bulb Farms or by Edward McRae, the head hybridizer for many years at the Oregon Bulb Farms. All of these cultivars have the name "Pixie" and have proven to be quite hardy. For example, I have an Asiatic dwarf lily known as 'Orange Pixie,' which is a bright orange with freckles in the throat. You can also look for such cultivars as 'Buff Pixie' and 'Crimson Pixie.' It is, therefore, quite easy to determine that you are getting a dwarf variety if 'Pixie' is a part of the name.

Other dwarf varieties may be a bit more difficult to find at your local nurseries. The names are not dead giveaways. For example, you might not realize that one of the more popular dwarf varieties is called 'Mother Theresa' or that the Oriental pale pink 'Mona Lisa' is a popular dwarf variety just by their names. You will definitely have to check the size on the tags. You can also order dwarf lilies online from growers, who often specialize in them.

Just because a lily is called a "dwarf" does not mean that its blooms are small. Most are quite large and, in my opinion, are more noticeable on the stems. You can also find blooms in as wide a range of colors as you can in their much taller cousins -- from white to deep red and various colors in between.

Grow dwarf lilies as you would any other type of lily. Plant in humus-rich soil with good drainage. You should also remember the maxim "head in the sun, feet in the shade." All lilies like to have their roots kept cool. This means that you should plant the bulbs 6-8 inches deep and mulch well. Strong-colored lilies, such as your oranges and reds, do best in full sun. Pastel colors last longer when they are provided with afternoon shade, especially in the southern regions of the United States. In addition, dwarf lilies, like other lilies, do not need to be divided or moved that often -- maybe once every five years or so. Furthermore, lilies are big eaters; and the dwarf lilies are no exception, especially those grown in containers. In the garden, I generally use a balanced slow-release granular fertilizer in the early spring when new growth first begins to emerge. I might fertilize them one more time during the growing season. Dwarf lilies in containers, however, should be fed with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. After the blooms are spent, allow the stems and foliage to die back naturally. Do not cut them back until the fall. This is the way that all lilies pull in nutrients for the next season.

Dwarf lilies can make quite an impact in the garden, especially when they are planted at the front of the border. Plant in groups for optimum effect. You can also group containers of dwarf lilies on your deck or porch if you do not have space for a garden. Just know that these small treasures pack a lot of color in a small space.

References:

McGeorge, Pamela. Lilies. Auckland, New Zealand, 2004.

Plantlilies.com
Earthbound Gardens and Greenhouses