Don't be afraid of giant lilies

Also known as skyscrapers, tree lilies are the giants of the lily world.

Tree lilies are the result of years of painstaking breeding and these incredible varieties of oriental lily can grow as tall as eight feet in two years.

One single tree lily bulb can produce up to 30 trumpet blooms and will take on a shrub-like appearance over the years. Be patient, tree lilies will be bigger and bolder the second year around. Though tree lilies look like they'd be fussy plants, they are actually very easy to grow. They’re not particular about soil type or PH and they grow well in full sun, part sun, dappled shade and even light shade. Lilies do best planted where they can get full sun or at least half day sun.

Plant tree lilies as soon as you get them in spring. Plant them pointy end up and like most bulbs lilies will not tolerate soggy soil. Tree lilies are beautiful in the back of a border to soften a hard wall or fence. I love them in pots also - their fragrance is amazing. I would have a pot near your front or back door when they are in flower.

Here are a few varities to choose from:

Miss peculiar

This is a cross between an oriental lily and a trumpet lily which produces huge, trumpet-shaped flowers on tall, strong stems. Its blooms reach a whopping 11 inches across, have reflexed petals and are white with large, orange-yellow centres. This tree lily will grow four feet high.

Anastasia

This is a giant in flower, growing up to four-seven feet high. It’s highly scented and has beautiful large pink and white flowers borne on tall strong stems. It is ideal for growing in herbaceous borders or large pots.

Pollen free

Pollen free lilies are an exciting introduction, giving all the colour and grace of the traditional lilies but without the pollen. Being 100 per cent pollen free, they are ideal for cat lovers and people who suffer from hay fever. These cat friendly lilies will also eliminate the stained clothes, upholstery, tablecloths which can arise if they come into contact with the anthers.

Elena

Elena, which is part of the Roselily Series, is an exciting new line of pollen free tree lilies and is a sugar pink, double oriental lily that will grow to 80-100cm tall.

Leona

This is a fantastic double lily with pure double white and pollen free flowers. They are a fantastic addition to any garden and are just as happy in containers as they are in a garden setting.

On Saturday 29 February there will be a fun and free Hello Spring Party from 12-4pm with children friendly gardening workshops, face painting and lots more. No booking required.

Also on Saturday, there will be a free talk by Margaret Griffin on bee friendly gardening at 3pm. All attendees will get a ten per cent off voucher to spend in Griffins Garden Centre and Homestore.