Finding the right spot for lilies can be a challenge. These elegant plants like to have their roots cool and shaded, while their flowers enjoy plenty of sun for at least half the day. This can be hard to achieve in a regular garden bed, especially if your soil is alkaline. Most lilies, except for the lime-tolerant Madonna Lily, need acidic, ericaceous soil. Growing them in containers is a great way to meet their needs.

Planting lilies in pots lets you control the soil and growing conditions to suit them. You can plant them any time from the start of the year until the end of March. The key is to use a potting mix with good structure. Lilies dislike soggy soil, so make sure your mix drains well. Use peat-free ericaceous compost with plenty of leaf mould and grit to help the plants grow strong. If you don’t have leaf mould or grit, you can use perlite or vermiculite to keep the soil light and airy.

When placing your scaly bulbs into containers, ensure there are at least four inches of compost covering the crown. Initially, place the pots in a lightly shaded area to allow the root system to establish. As the season progresses into May and June and the buds begin to swell, you can transition the pots to their flowering positions. An east or west-facing spot is ideal for a spectacular floral display. By keeping them well-watered throughout the spring, you’ll ensure a breathtaking performance in the heart of summer.