Award-winning fragrant lily collection

Lilies can be planted at any time from early autumn to mid-spring. Planting in autumn often helps them settle in and become better established before they start to put on their new spring growth, but spring planting is a better option if your soil is heavy and wet during winter.

Choose a sunny spot, preferably where the plant receives a little light shade at its base, and plant each bulb 15-20cm (6-8in) deep in a well-drained soil, enriched with well-rotted organic matter or leaf mould. Space them at 15-30cm (6-12in) intervals and provide support before the flowers appear.

Deadhead the faded blooms promptly and cut the dead stems back to ground level at the end of autumn.