A thoroughly authentic, practical record will help you more to become proficient in the art of lily-growing than any amount of impracticable theory.
Now some words to those who are growing lilies in pots. As we have seen, most species grow well in pots. All do well except the following, which are unsuitable for pot culture. The reason why they are suitable is also given.
L. Cordifolium (too straggling).
All the Isolirions, because they are not sufficiently ornamental for pot culture.
L. Humboldti. This lily does not do well in pots; why we do not know.
L. Martagon, L. Pomponium, L. Pyrenaicum, L. Chalcedonicum, L. Monodelphum, L. Testaceum.
The last six lilies are unsuitable for pot culture because they require to become established before they will condescend to flower.
Most lilies grown in pots can be kept in the open air or in a room, or anywhere you please, but the following require protection of some sort:—
Half-hardy species. These should not be put out in frosty weather; otherwise they may be grown out of doors. If you have planted them in the ground at a sufficient depth, they will stand all but a very severe winter. L. Giganteum, L. Cordifolium, L. Formosanum, L. Wallichianum, L. Washingtonianum, L. Catesbæi, L. Polyphyllum, L. Roseum, L. Hookeri, L. Oxypetalum, L. Alexandræ.
The following usually need a greenhouse to grow them well:—L. Philippinense, L. Neilgherrense, L. Nepaulense, L. Lowi.