Lilium Latvia

The 'Latvia' lily does not like limestone, poorly drained and heavy soils. Plant the bulb in full sun with the base in the shade, preferably in spring, 15 cm (6in) deep in a pocket of soil mixed with leaf compost. Surround them with a layer of sand that will prevent rot and attacks from slugs, while allowing them to grow more easily. Mark the planting location, as vegetation only starts in April. When the stems reach 30 cm (12in) tall, 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 as they drop as soon as they are touched. After flowering, it is a good idea to cut the faded flowers halfway to keep the bed beautiful during the summer.

Tip for planting lilies in compact soil: The scaly bulbs of tall lilies are susceptible 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 'terraces' built above ground level. These terraces consist of a first layer of gravel, on which tightly packed branches are placed. Then everything is covered with a thick 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12in) layer of compost. Plant the bulbs in the compost, on which a few ground-cover plants can also crawl.

On the terrace, you can create magnificent pot arrangements with lilies. Choose a container that is large and deep enough (at least 16 cm (6in) in diameter for 1 bulb). Fill it with a mixture of leaf compost and sand. Plant the lilies in groups of 3 to 5 bulbs, 10-15 cm (4-6in) apart, then water abundantly. Place the pots in a cool room or outside once the frost has passed. The ambient temperature should be around 12°C (53.6°F). When shoots appear, place the pot in a conservatory or a very bright room, at a temperature of around 18°C (64.4°F). Apply liquid fertiliser twice a month until the flower buds appear.