Can Lilies Grow in the Shade? How Much Shade Do They Tolerate?

With their showy, colorful blooms, lilies are a popular choice for gardens and landscapes. But can these summer-flowering beauties thrive in shady spots? The answer is a definite yes! While lilies prefer full sun for best performance, they can tolerate partial shade and even light shade in many cases.

When evaluating how well lilies will grow in shade, there are a few key factors to consider:

The Type of Shade Matters

Not all shade is created equal when it comes to lily growth. The most ideal shade conditions include:

• Dappled shade – Bright indirect light filtered through tree branches or lattice, Dappled shade lilies get 4-6 hours of sun

• Morning sun – Eastern exposure that provides gentler morning light but afternoon shade

• Light shade – Bright reflected light in a spot with less than 3 hours of direct sun.

Lilies will have the hardest time flowering in dense, full shade with little direct or reflected light. But many still perform adequately in these spots.

Choose the Right Lily Types

With over 80 species, there are many different types of lilies for various light levels:

• Martagon Lilies – These woodland natives thrive in dappled shade and light shade. Their delicate flowers suit shadier areas.

• Asiatic Lilies – Most tolerate partial shade well. Avoid large upfacing varieties that may get leggy.

• Oriental Lilies – Prefers afternoon shade in hot climates but does well in morning sun.

• LA Hybrids – LA lilies combine traits of Asiatic and Orientals. Choose outfacing varieties.

• Trumpet Lilies – Require more sun but established bulbs flower in light shade. May get tall and need staking.

Pick the Right Colors

• Pastels – Soft pink, yellow, white and bicolors show up best in shade.

• Dark colors – Deep reds and purples are harder to see and may fade. Best in sunnier spots.

Adjust Your Expectations

While lilies grow well in shade, their performance may be affected:

• Reduced flower count – Lilies in shade produce fewer blooms per stem.

• Delayed bloom time – Flowering may occur 1-2 weeks later than in full sun locations.

• Taller stems – Low light causes lily stems to elongate and sometimes lean towards light. Staking may be needed.

• Subdued colors – Dark lily colors won’t be as vivid in shade. Pale colors show up better.

• Biennial flowering – Shade-grown lilies may not flower every year, especially in cooler climates.

Even with these caveats, shade-grown lilies still provide color and beauty. Just don’t expect them to look exactly like lilies in full sun.

Growing Lilies in Pots for Flexibility

Container planting allows you to move lilies to follow the sun. Keep pots in full sun, then move to dappled or light shade areas when buds form. Move back to sunny spots after blooming so leaves can recharge bulbs for next year’s flowers. Winter protection is crucial for potted lilies.

Tips for Growing Lilies in Shade

• Amend soil with compost to provide nutrients

• Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds

• Choose compact varieties under 3 feet tall to prevent flopping

• Stake stems that start to lean or stretch for support

• Deadhead spent blooms to conserve energy

• Avoid aggressive shade plants that may overtake lilies

• Watch for signs of too much shade like poor foliage and no flowers

• Be prepared to move lilies to sunnier spots if performance declines

Ideal Companion Plants for Shady Lilies

Some top shade-loving companion plants for lilies include:

• Ferns like ostrich fern and Christmas fern

• Hostas

• Astilbe

• Coral bells

• Lungwort

• Evergreen shrubs like azaleas

• Other shade perennials like foxglove and coral bells

So can lilies grow in the shade? Absolutely! While they prefer full sun, many lilies grow and flower remarkably well in partial to light shade. Pick the right types, manage expectations, and provide good care for beautiful lilies even in shady garden conditions.