It is way past the time for another posting on this website and today I want!
As I worked at replacing lost plants from the winter in the perennial beds this spring, I wondered what should I write about for the next newsletter. I thought everyone was probably tired of hearing about the cold wet spring we had and all the plants that died so I needed to come up with a totally new subject, Martagon Lilies for Shade Gardens.
With their brightly colored, trumpet-shaped blooms, lilies are one of the most popular flowers for gardens and floral arrangements But can these sun-loving beauties thrive in shadier spots that get less direct sunlight?
The good news is yes many lilies can grow and flower in partial shade or even light shade conditions. While they definitely prefer full sun for optimal growth and flowering lilies are surprisingly adaptable when it comes to sunlight needs.
By choosing shade-tolerant lily varieties, providing the right growing conditions, and managing expectations for shade-grown lilies, you can successfully grow these stunning flowers even in partly shaded garden beds and borders.
Factors That Impact Growing Lilies in the Shade
Several key factors influence how well lilies will perform when grown in less than ideal sunny conditions Here are the most important considerations
Type of Shade
Not all shade is equal when it comes to growing lilies. Some types of shade are better suited to lilies than others:
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Dappled shade – Bright dappled shade created by tree branches or lattice overhead is ideal. Lilies get 4-6 hours of gentle filtered sunlight.
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Morning sun – East facing spots that receive morning sun but afternoon shade work well.
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Light shade – Northern exposures or spots with 2-3 hours of direct sun per day are suitable.
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Full shade – Dense, all day shade is more challenging for lilies. Some varieties still bloom modestly.
Choosing the Right Lily for Shade
With over 80 lily species available, growth habits and sunlight requirements can vary:
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Martagon lilies – Native to woodlands so they thrive in dappled to light shade.
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Asiatic lilies – Tolerate partial shade well. Avoid huge upright varieties.
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Oriental lilies – Prefer afternoon shade in hot climates but do well in morning sun.
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LA hybrid lilies – Combine Asiatic and Oriental traits. Choose outfacing types.
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Trumpet lilies – Require more sun but can bloom in light shade. May get tall and require staking.
Flower Color
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Pastels – Soft pinks, yellows, whites and bicolors show up better in shade.
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Dark colors – Deep reds and purples are harder to see and may fade in low light.
Growing Lilies in the Shade
When planting lilies in partially shaded spots, keep these tips in mind:
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Amend soil with compost to provide nutrients.
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Mulch beds to help retain moisture and control weeds.
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Select compact lily varieties under 3 feet tall to prevent flopping.
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Stake taller varieties promptly to support top-heavy blooms.
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Deadhead spent flowers to conserve the plant’s energy.
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Avoid aggressive shade plants that may compete with lilies.
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Watch for signs of insufficient light like sparse foliage and no flowers.
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Be prepared to move lilies to a sunnier location if growth declines.
Ideal Companion Plants for Shady Lilies
Some great shade loving companion plants to grow with lilies include:
- Ferns like ostrich fern and Christmas fern
- Hostas
- Astilbe
- Heucheras
- Lungwort
- Evergreen azaleas & rhododendrons
- Other shade perennials like foxglove
Combining lilies with these ideal neighboring plants results in beautiful cohesive designs and flower arrangements.
Managing Expectations for Shade-Grown Lilies
While lilies can grow in shade, their performance is often reduced compared to plants grown in full sun. Here are some common effects of reduced light levels:
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Fewer blooms – Lilies produce fewer flowers per stem when grown in the shade.
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Delayed flowering – Bloom time may be 1-2 weeks later than lilies grown in full sun conditions.
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Tall, floppy stems – Low light causes lily stems to stretch and sometimes flop over or lean.
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Paler flower colors – Dark lily colors won’t be as vivid in shade. Pale colors show up better.
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Biennial flowering – Some lilies only flower every second year when grown in very shady spots.
Even with these compromises, shade-grown lilies still offer plenty of beauty. Just avoid expecting the same prolific flowers and vibrant colors as sun-grown lilies.
Growing Lilies in Pots for Flexibility
Container planting allows you to move lilies around to follow the sun. Here are some tips:
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Keep pots in full sun then move to dappled or light shade when buds form.
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Move back to sunny spots after blooming so leaves can fully recharge bulbs.
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Provide thorough watering and fertilizer for potted lilies.
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Protect containers from freezing in winter.
The Best Lilies for Shade Gardens
Here are some top picks for the best lily varieties to grow in shady gardens:
Martagon Lilies
These natives of European and Asian woodlands thrive in shade. Varieties include:
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Orange Martagon – Heirloom with red-orange flowers and maroon spots.
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Clara B – Soft pink blooms that fade to white as they mature.
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Sunny Morning – Cheery bright yellow 8-12 inch flowers.
Asiatic Lilies
Compact, shade tolerant Asiatic lilies include:
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Orange Pixie – Only 10 inches tall with dark orange blooms.
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Tiny Padhye – One of the smallest at 16 inches high with red and yellow bicolor flowers.
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White Heaven – 30 inch height with large white trumpet blooms.
Oriental Lilies
These fragrant, showy lilies grow well in light shade:
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Casa Blanca – Pure white large blooms.
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Muscadet – Smaller pinky-lavender flowers with lighter edges.
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Star Gazer – Reddish-pink with white margins, one of the most popular oriental lilies.
LA Hybrid Lilies
These outfacing crosses between Asiatics and Orientals work in shade:
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Eyeliner – Dark burgundy with thin yellow edges.
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Conca D’Or – Huge bright yellow blooms up to 6 inches across.
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Salmon Star – Rosy salmon blooms with darker speckles and spots.
Let Lilies Brighten Up Your Shaded Garden
While they prefer full sunlight, many types of lilies can be successfully grown in partial shade or even light shade conditions. Pick shade-friendly varieties, provide optimal care, and set realistic expectations for decent floral displays even in low light areas.
With the right selections, lilies can brighten up shady beds and borders with their colorful, elegant flowers and add height and texture to accompany shade loving companion plants. Any amount of lily color livens up darker garden spots.
Martagon Lilies for Shade Gardens
Then yesterday I was mowing the lawn and rounded the corner of the house and saw the Martagon Lilies blooming and I knew I had a great subject. They are glorious this year. My white one has three tall stalks of blooms this year too!
I first saw Martagons on a Garden Tour many years ago and knew some day I had to have some. The lady that I was standing next to – an astute gardener – didn’t know what they were, but I had seen some in garden catalogs and remembered the name.
They were in a corner of an old shed and sure dressed up the area. I vowed someday I would have some. Well, it took many years! Then, I had to get over the price shock before I got up the “nerve” to spend ten to twenty dollars on a single Martagon Bulb. But, once they are in the ground, and they bloom for you, and start to multiply, you slowly forget the cost.
Where to Purchase Martagon Lilies
Martagons are not something that you will see very often to purchase, as the best time/only time to plant them is in the fall. I purchase mine mostly from B & D Lilies located in Oregon.
Martagons are expensive, but worth it in the end with nice color right in the middle of June each year with their stalks reaching 4-6 feet tall.
B & D Lilies also have sales on these bulbs from time to time. Just go the website and sign up for their newsletter. They have many useful articles on growing Hardy Lilies also. And, also, sell tons of Gorgeous “Lilium” or Hardy Lilies!
Where and How to Grow Lilies
FAQ
What lilies do well in shade?
Easy-to-grow, these attractive shade loving plants include flamboyant Tiger Lilies (Lilium lancifolium), the brilliant crimson-red blossoms of Daylily ‘Crimson Pirate’ (Hemerocallis), one of the most superb ornamental grasses, Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ (Hakone Grass), and the compact variegated Plantain Lily ‘June’ ( …
Will daylilies bloom in full shade?
They may tolerate some light shade; however, flowering is best in full sun. When do daylilies bloom? Depending on the type, plants may begin blooming mid-spring, and some continue until fall.
What is the best flower to grow in shade?
Daffodils (Narcissus spp.), snowdrops (Galanthus spp.), and winter aconites (Eranthis hyemalis) are all reliable bloomers on shaded sites, because they come up, bloom, and approach dormancy before trees leaf out in spring.
How much sun does a lily need?
Lilies need lots of sun. For dependable blooms, lilies should get 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily (aka “full sun”). If it’s too shady, the stems will attempt to lean toward the sun or get spindly and fall over.
Which lilies grow best in shade?
If you are looking for a lily that will thrive in partial shade, the Asiatic lily is a great choice. This lily grows in clumps and produces large blooms in a variety of colors. Asiatic lilies prefer a slightly acidic soil and need to be planted in an area that receives dappled sunlight. Finally, the tiger lily is a great option for shady areas.
Can Japanese lilies grow in shade?
The Japanese lily is an ideal choice for shady areas. This lily has large, heavily fragrant blooms and can grow up to 4 feet in height. Japanese lilies prefer a slightly acidic soil and need to be planted in an area that receives dappled sunlight. If you are looking for a lily that will thrive in partial shade, the Asiatic lily is a great choice.
Do lilies need shade?
lilies can be susceptible to leaf scorching and sunburn when exposed to intense sunlight. By growing in shade, they are shielded from direct sunlight and its potentially harmful effects such as leaf damage and wilting. The shade acts as a natural sunscreen for lilies, ensuring their foliage remains healthy and vibrant. 2. Reduced water stress
Do lilies prefer partial shade or dappled shade?
While lilies generally prefer partial shade or dappled shade to grow, specific varieties may exhibit varying shade tolerance. Adjusting the level of shade and observing the response of your lilies will help guide you in finding the right balance.
Do lilies need sun?
Ideally, lilies should receive morning sun, with some protection from the hot afternoon sun. This can be achieved with a light shade cloth, or by strategically planting other plants that will provide shade in the afternoon.
Can Regal lilies grow in shade?
Regal lilies prefer a partially shaded area with rich, well-drained soil and a layer of mulch to help keep the roots cool. The Madonna lily is another type of lily that can be grown in the shade. Unlike the regal lily, Madonna lilies prefer cooler temperatures.