Back in Fall 2004, I bought a bag of four oriental lily bulbs at Costco (oriental trumpet hybrid lilies from Practical Gardener, $8.99). I planted them in the front yard. In Spring 2005, they sent up four stalks, gradually grew to ~5 feet tall, each had 2 - 3 flower buds. When the flowers opened in summer (around 7/4), you could smell them from far away.
The next year (2006), there were six stalks, each had anywhere from 6 to 15 flower buds for a total of ~70 flowers. When the flowers opened, you could smell them even from the back yard.
This year it's even better. I got nine stalks (6 big ones, 3 small ones) and ~100 flowers.
1. The flowers are giantic, 4 - 6 inches in diameters.
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4. They are good for cut flowers too.
Lily is summer bulb. I don't know if you can grow it in the south. Check your local store see if they sell it. That should be a good indication.
这花不知在南方好长吗?真想种呢!