Lilium Tebaldi

The 'Tebaldi' lily likes humus-bearing, slightly chalky, well-drained, light soils. Plant it in full sun, preferably in spring, burying the bulbs 15 cm deep in a pocket of soil mixed with leaf compost. Surround them with a pocket of sand that will protect them from rot and slug attacks, while allowing them to grow more easily. Mark the planting location, as the vegetation only starts in April. When the stems reach 30 cm in height, discreetly stake them.

If red lily beetles appear, treat them immediately, as their larvae can devour all the leaves. The most effective method is to catch them manually but be careful, they drop as soon as you touch them, so put a box underneath. After flowering, it is a good idea to cut the faded flowers halfway to keep the bed beautiful during summer.

Tips for planting lilies in compact soil: The scaly bulbs of tall lilies are sensitive to clay soils that suffocate them and cause rot. In Eastern Europe, the following technique is used to help these bulbs survive the winter. Plant them on 'benches' built above ground level. These benches consist of a layer of gravel, on which tightly packed branches are placed. Then cover everything with a thick, 20 to 30 cm layer of compost. Plant the bulbs in the compost, on which you can also plant some ground-covering plants.

On the terrace, you can create sumptuous pots with lilies. Choose a container that is large and deep enough (at least 16 cm in diameter for 1 bulb). Fill it with a mixture of garden soil, leaf compost, and sand. Plant the lilies in groups of 3 to 5 bulbs, 10-15 cm apart, then water abundantly. Place the pots in a cool room or outside once all risk of frost has passed. The ambient temperature should be around 12°C. When the shoots appear, move the pot to a bright conservatory or room with a temperature of around 18°C. Apply liquid fertiliser twice a month until the flower buds appear.