How to grow lilies in pots – expert tips for dramatic floral displays with a ravishing summer scent on patios, decks and balconies

You might not have thought to grow lilies in pots, but once you try it, you are bound to be addicted for life. From large, flamboyant flowers for cutting to smaller, naturalistic forms, they are always a total pleasure to the senses.

Lilies are one of the very best summer bulbs to fill your garden with a dramatic jolt of color and heavenly perfume. To grow lilies in pots successfully, one needs very little understanding of the plant’s botany, since they are remarkably unfussy plants that get on with flowering their socks off all summer long. Happily, there is no need to lift and store them over winter; they are far happier left in the soil, and they will return year after year, providing perennial pleasure.

There are some straightforward rules worth bearing in mind before you start, though, and some top tips worth taking heed of. Here we explain everything you need to know so you can grow lilies in pots successfully.

What lily varieties can grow in pots and which cannot

When thinking about which types of lilies to display in your garden pots, it is worth noting that not all lilies are suited to container gardening.

I spoke with gardening and preserving coach Robin Phelps and asked her which varieties of lilies are best suited for pots.

Here are some examples of lilies that would work perfectly in pots:

• Asiatic Lilies: They’re generally shorter (2–3 feet), sturdy, and come in a wide range of colors.
• Oriental Lilies (dwarf types like 'Dwarf Muscadet'): They stay compact but deliver big, fragrant blooms.
• LA Hybrids: These have strong stems and vibrant colors, and many varieties are sized right for containers.
• Pixie Series Lilies: These dwarf Asiatics are bred specifically for pots. They are compact, colorful, and easy to manage.

Be mindful of the following varieties which would not work in pots:

• Giant Trumpet Lilies (like 'Regale'): These can reach over 5 feet and become top-heavy, tipping pots over.
• Tiger Lilies (Lilium lancifolium): They spread via bulbils and can become overcrowded in a pot quickly.
• Martagon Lilies: They’re slow to establish and prefer to be left undisturbed for years, so they don’t love the frequent repotting that container life requires.

How to grow lilies in pots

The main thing to take heed of when you grow lilies in pots is the soil type you use. It is paramount that you provide good drainage and a loose compost. Don't panic about this sounding overly complicated. Just adding perlite or vermiculite to your existing soil will work superbly.

Plant the bulbs in April and you will see buds develop in May and June. As you hurtle into summer, the flowers will begin to unfurl and you will be dumbfounded that you didn't grow lilies in pots before now.

Lilies like shady roots and sun-drenched flowers, so a west or east-facing sheltered spot is ideal for their flowering performance.

I asked Robin what the secrets are to planting lilies in pots for the best and most fragrant of summer displays. Here are the keys to success:

Well-draining soil: Use a quality potting mix with added grit or perlite. Lilies hate soggy roots. Simply adding a perlite, like this perlite available at Amazon, would do the job perfectly.

Deep pots: Choose pots that are at least 12-16 inches deep, allowing bulbs to sit approximately 4-6 inches below the soil surface.

Full sun: Aim for at least 6 hours of full sun a day. Some partial afternoon shade is okay in extremely hot climates.

Watering: Consistent watering is key, especially in the summer heat, pots dry out faster than beds.

Feeding: A balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time works well. You can also feed monthly with a diluted liquid fertilizer during active growth. A multipurpose fertilizer would be perfect, like this organic plant feed available at Amazon.

Robin Phelps

Robin Phelps is a Gardening and Preserving Coach, with a passion for nurturing green spaces and preserving the bounties of nature. With over 20 years of experience in gardening, Robin began her journey in a small apartment with a balcony and has since expanded to growing on 3 acres. She has evolved into an expert gardener and is eager to guide others on their gardening journey.

What companion plants to choose when potting up lilies

When choosing companions, think about plants that complement lilies without crowding their bulbs. Good options include:

Trailing lobelia: Spills over the pot edge beautifully and provides cooling shade to the lily bulbs.

Sedum (low-growing types): Adds texture and doesn’t compete for root space.

Alyssum: Sweet-smelling, bee-friendly, and helps shade the soil to retain moisture.

Heuchera (coral bells): In large pots, it offers colorful foliage that complements the lily blooms.

These companions help keep the soil cool, reduce weeds, and make the container look lush and full without overwhelming the lilies.

Shop essentials for growing lilies in pots

Knowing how to grow lilies in pots and in the ground successfully is typically very straightforward.

'My top tip is to protect pots from extreme heat,' notes Robin. 'Container soil heats up quickly, which can stress the bulbs. Move pots to morning sun and afternoon shade if needed. Also, deadhead spent flowers to focus energy back into the bulbs, and let foliage die back naturally after flowering.

'This helps store energy for next year’s blooms. In colder climates, consider moving pots to a sheltered spot or insulating them over winter to protect the bulbs from freezing.'