Lilium Magic Star

Double lily 'Magic Star' does not like chalky, poorly drained, and heavy soil. Plant them in full sun, with their base in shade, preferably in spring, placing the bulbs 15 cm (6in) deep in a pocket of soil mixed with leaf compost. Surround them with a layer of sand which will protect them from rot and slug attacks, while allowing them to grow more easily. Mark the planting location, as vegetation only starts in April. Stake the stems when they reach 30 cm (12in) high. 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 off the faded flowers halfway to keep the bed beautiful during summer.

Tip for planting lilies in compact soil: The scaly bulbs of tall lilies don't like clay soils which suffocate them and cause rot. In Eastern Europe, the following technique is used to help these bulbs survive the winter. Plant them on 'benches' built above ground level. These benches consist of a layer of gravel, on which tightly packed branches are placed. Then cover everything with a thick layer of compost, 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12in) deep. Plant the bulbs in the compost, where you can also put some ground-covering plants.

On the terrace, you can create magnificent pots 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 generously. 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 the 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 flower buds appear.