You can grow lilies in containers in fact Lilies are a stunning choice, thriving on patios, balconies, and in cool climates.
Growing lilies in pots offers flexibility for those with limited garden space or challenging soil conditions.
With the right approach, both Oriental and Asiatic lilies can flourish in containers, rewarding you with vibrant blooms season after season.
Choosing the Best Lilies to Grow in Containers
For container gardening, compact and dwarf lily varieties are the easiest to manage.
Best Varieties – Dwarf Asiatic varieties, such as Lilium ‘Bright Joy,’ grow to about 50 cm and feature upward-facing flowers, making them ideal for pots. In a standard 20 cm (8 inch) pot, plant up to three bulbs for the best growth; overcrowding may hinder bulb development and flowering.
Tall lilies—like the Orienpet hybrid ‘Conca D’or,’ which can reach up to 1.5 meters—require staking and perform better when planted in the ground.
Selecting and Preparing Your Container
Deep containers are essential for healthy lily roots. For optimal results:
• Use a pot with a minimum height of 38 cm (15 inches).
• Layer 15 cm (6 inches) of premium, well-drained potting mix at the base.
• Position the bulb with 5 cm (2 inches) allowance for its height.
• Cover with another 15 cm (6 inches) of potting mix above the bulb.
• Leave about 2.5 cm (1 inch) between soil surface and the top of the pot for watering ease.
Deep planting keeps lily bulbs cool and supports stem-rooting—essential for strong, upright growth. Ensure the chosen container has ample drainage to prevent soggy roots.
Light and Position
Most lilies thrive in full sun to partial shade. Place your container-grown lilies where they’ll receive morning sunlight—too much shade causes spindly growth as plants stretch for light. Afternoon shade helps protect blooms from harsh heat in warmer climates.
Watering and Soil Needs
Lilies prefer consistently moist soil, not soggy. Test soil moisture with your finger and water when the top layer dries out. Select a slightly acidic, well-drained potting mix formulated for bulbs or acid-loving plants. Avoid waterlogged conditions by ensuring your container has proper drainage holes.
Fertilising for Vigorous Growth
At planting, use a liquid seaweed fertiliser to kickstart growth. Feed potted lilies every 2–3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser during the active growing and blooming season to encourage large, long-lasting flowers and healthy bulbs.
Yearly Maintenance and Repotting Bulbs
Repot lilies every year or, at most, every second year to keep bulbs healthy and prevent overcrowding. After the growing season, remove bulbs from the container and replant with fresh potting mix, discarding any that are diseased or damaged. This routine ensures vigorous plants and beautiful blooms annually.
Storing Bulbs Over Winter
In areas with wet winters or freezing temperatures, protect lily bulbs from rot and frost. Either move pots under cover to keep them dry or lift and store bulbs. Clean and dry bulbs thoroughly, then store them in a cool, dry spot in slightly moist coir peat, sawdust, or peat moss until replanting time.
We are Asked?
- How much sun do Lilies like?
Lilies do like sun, if planted in deep shade they will reach for the sun. Good morning sun with a little afternoon shade is ideal for most varieties. - How much water do Lilies like ?
Lilies like a moist soil, never wet and soggy. So use you finger to test for moisture before watering. - What sort of soil do Lilies like ?
In containers as in the garden, they like a well drained soil, most varieties prefer a slightly acidic soil, some species are more fussy. And yes they do need to be grown in soil, NOT water. - How often do I need to repot Lilies?
Ideally every year, or at maximum every second year. - Do I need to store the bulbs over winter ?
In some soils and climates yes, in others, not really. In areas that get very wet winters you will need to either put the pots under cover, or dig the bulbs. The same applies for areas that get freezes. Store the bulbs in a dry cool position in slightly moist coir peat, sawdust, or pet moss. Wash then and dry them thoroughly before storing.
