Lilium Culture
Garden difficulty rating for genus: 2 overall (on a scale of 1-5). Some like Asiatic lilies are simple. Other species lilies are challenging to nearly impossible outside of their native habitat.
Habitat: Lilies are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere in rainforests, woodlands, savannahs, prairies, valleys, foothills, and marshes depending upon the species. In general, they inhabit sheltered areas. Lilies favor climates with considerable rainfall in Spring and Summer. And they are generally absent from deserts and other areas subject to severe drought.
Hardiness: Ability to withstand Winter cold is dependent upon species or cultivar. Most are hardy to USDA zone 5. Some, like Asiatic hybrids, are hardy to at least zone 3. Heat and Summer rainfall are as much a limiting factor as cold weather. (I have seen lilies languishing in San Francisco that excel in my garden.)
Light: Lilies love light! Most lilies will perform best in full sun. However, some require part shade or the dappled light under a canopy.
Soil and pH: The best soil for lilies is rich, well-drained loam with added organic matter, like leaf compost, peat, or composted manure. Amending the soil with organic matter adds nutrients, improves drainage, and helps buffer pH levels. pH preference varies depending on species, but most prefer neutral to slightly acidic. Some species, such as: Madonna lily and martagon lily, are considered to favor neutral to alkaline soil.
Moisture: Provide lilies with even moisture throughout Summer. However, the lily bulb should not become waterlogged or the bulb can rot. Even species in marshes or boggy areas usually have their bulbs above the water line. Mulch new and established beds of lilies to help moderate soil temperature and moisture.