Lilium Extravaganza - Lily

The 'Extravaganza' lily does not like chalky, poorly drained, and heavy soils. Plant it in full sun, with the base in the shade, preferably in spring, with the bulbs 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) 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 as they drop as soon as you touch them. After flowering, it is a good idea to cut off the faded flowers halfway to keep the bed beautiful during the summer.

Tip for planting lilies in compact soil: The scaly bulbs of large lilies hate clay soils that suffocate them and cause rot. In Eastern Europe, they are planted on 'benches' built above ground level to help them survive winter. These benches consist of a first layer of gravel, on which tightly packed branches are placed, covered with a thick layer of compost 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12in) deep. Plant the bulbs in the compost, on which some ground-covering plants can also crawl. On the terrace, you can create sumptuous pots with lilies. Choose a container that is wide 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, move the pot to 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 floral buds appear.