If you are looking for dwarf lilies to grow in pots, then the Dwarf Asiatic Lilies are among the best choices. Flowering from late spring into summer and reaching around 40 cm in height, these compact lilies are ideal for patios, courtyards, balconies and small gardens.
Available in a wide range of colours including white, pink, orange, yellow, bi-colours and soft pastels, these are generally not fragrant lilies, making them an excellent choice for outdoor entertaining areas where a strong perfume is not always desirable.
Grow them in a large container or planter box rather than a tall narrow pot, as the flowers naturally face upwards and are best appreciated at eye level. These dwarf varieties have strong stems and usually cope well without staking or other support.
The glossy deep green foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, and the best time to plant the bulbs is from late winter to early spring.
Dwarf Lily Quick Facts
- Common Name: Dwarf Lily, Patio Lily
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Botanical Group: Dwarf Asiatic Lily
- Height: Around 40 cm
- Flowering: Late spring to summer
- Flower Colours: White, pink, orange, yellow, pastels and bi-colours
- Fragrance: Usually none
- Best Position: Morning sun with afternoon shade
- Best For: Pots, planters, balconies and patios
- Planting Time: Late winter to early spring
How to Plant and Grow Dwarf Lilies
For a 40 cm pot you will need around 8–10 bulbs to create a dense, colourful display.
Planting Step by Step
- Choose a position with good morning sun and a little afternoon shade. Strong filtered light will usually work well, although deep shade should be avoided.
- Select a container that will comfortably hold at least 3–5 bulbs. Larger pots will produce a much better display.
- Use a premium-quality, free-draining potting mix.
- Ensure the container has good drainage holes to help prevent fungal problems.
- Plant the bulbs around 15 cm deep and approximately 7 cm apart.
- Water in well using a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
- Keep the soil moist but never wet while the plants are actively growing.
- Apply a light mulch once shoots appear in spring to help maintain a cool, moist root run.
Watering and Feeding
A little general-purpose bulb fertiliser once the lilies begin to grow will encourage healthy foliage and excellent flowering.
Water regularly during dry periods in spring, particularly when flower buds are developing, but avoid overwatering as bulbs dislike constantly wet soil.
Caring for Dwarf Lilies After Flowering
If you choose to pick flowers for indoors, leave at least half of the foliage on each stem. The leaves continue feeding the bulb and help ensure a good display the following year.
Once flowering has finished, remove the spent blooms but allow the foliage to die back naturally before lifting or dividing the bulbs. Bulbs can be left in the pot or dug, divided and stored once the foliage has completely died back.
Extra Growing Tips
- Plant bulbs in groups for the best display.
- Refresh the potting mix every few years if growing permanently in containers.
- Avoid allowing pots to become waterlogged during winter.
- Dwarf lilies combine beautifully with other compact flowering annuals and perennials in mixed containers.
Dwarf Lily bulbs are usually available from winter through to early spring. Check with listed participating suppliers for current availability.
Where To Buy Dwarf Lilies
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au
Amazon Lily