Tiny Invader Lily

The Tiny Lily Series is a compact, dwarf Asiatic lily collection, known for its bright, upward-facing blooms, sturdy stems, and early summer flowering. These hardy, low-maintenance perennials reach only 12-16 inches tall, making them perfect for borders, containers, rock gardens, and small spaces. With a wide range of colors, Tiny Lilies provide long-lasting color and excellent cut flowers while being drought-resistant and easy to grow.

Planting & Growing Conditions

• Hardiness Zone: 3-9 (cold-hardy and suitable for prairie gardens)
• Mature Size: 12-16 inches tall, 10-14 inches wide
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Sunlight Needs:
  • Full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering)
• Soil Requirements:
  • Prefers well-drained, fertile soil
  • Slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0)
  • Avoid heavy clay or overly wet soil, which can cause bulb rot
• Spacing: 10-12 inches apart for compact growth

Watering & Maintenance

• Young Plants (First Year):
  • Water deeply 1-2 times per week until roots establish
• Established Plants:
  • Water moderately, keeping soil moist but not soggy
  • Reduce watering after blooming to allow bulbs to harden
• Mulching:
  • Apply a 1-2 inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and protect roots

Fertilizing

• First Year: No fertilizer needed—use organic compost at planting
• Mature Plants:
  • Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring
  • A second feeding after flowering strengthens bulbs for the next season
  • Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes foliage growth over blooms

Pruning & Maintenance

• Best Time to Prune: After blooming (late summer to fall)
• How to Prune:
  • Deadhead spent flowers to prevent seed formation (redirects energy to the bulb)
  • Allow foliage to naturally die back, as it feeds the bulb for next year’s blooms
  • Cut back dead stalks in fall for a tidy garden

Flowers, Foliage & Seasonal Interest

• Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer (June-July)
• Flower Colors:
  • Wide variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, pink, and bi-color blooms
  • Upward-facing flowers, making them excellent for container displays
• Fragrance: Mild to none (unlike Oriental lilies, Asiatic lilies are not heavily scented)
• Foliage:
  • Dark green, lance-shaped leaves
  • Compact, clump-forming habit—ideal for small gardens

Pest & Disease Management

Resistant to: Deer, rabbits, and most common pests

Common Pests:

• Lily Beetles – Red beetles that chew leaves
  • Solution: Handpick or apply neem oil
• Aphids – Can cause curling leaves
  • Solution: Spray with insecticidal soap

Common Diseases:

• Botrytis Blight (Fungal Leaf Spot) – Brown spots on leaves
  • Solution: Improve airflow, avoid overhead watering, apply fungicide if needed
• Bulb Rot – Caused by wet, poorly drained soil
  • Solution: Ensure well-drained soil and avoid overwatering

Winter Protection

• Cold-hardy to Zone 3—no special protection needed in most climates
• Mulching:
  • Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch in late fall to protect bulbs from extreme temperature changes
• Container-Grown Lilies:
  • Move pots to a sheltered area or unheated garage in winter to prevent bulbs from freezing solid

Landscape Uses

Perfect for borders, edging, and rock gardens
Excellent for container gardens and patios
Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established
Great as cut flowers—long vase life
Ideal for mass plantings and small-space gardening

Popular Varieties in the Tiny Lily Series:

1. ‘Tiny Bee’ – Bright yellow flowers with dark centers
2. ‘Tiny Rocket’ – Deep red blooms with a velvety finish
3. ‘Tiny Ghost’ – Dark burgundy-purple flowers
4. ‘Tiny Orange Sensation’ – Vivid orange with spotted centers
5. ‘Tiny Pearl’ – Soft pink flowers with white accents

Companion Planting Ideas for Tiny Lilies:

• Daylilies (Hemerocallis) – Similar size and bloom time, easy to grow together
• Coreopsis – Contrasting yellow blooms add brightness
• Sedum & Creeping Phlox – Provides low-growing foliage to cover soil around lilies
• Dwarf Ornamental Grasses – Adds texture and movement
• Hostas & Ferns – Offers shade for the bulbs while adding lush greenery

Additional Notes:

• Lifespan: 5+ years with proper care
• Easiest propagation method: Division of bulbs every 3-4 years
• Highly recommended for beginner gardeners due to its resilience and adaptability

Photo courtesy of Vandermeer Nursery