Tell me about Asiatic lilies...

The Asiatics are the hardiest of all the lily hybrids. They do very well in U.S.D.A. Zones 3 to 10, are easiest for the beginner, multiply the fastest, and are the first to flower each season. They come in a wide range of colors -- white, yellow, orange, red, pink and all shades and color combinations, except the color blue. Flowers are mostly upfacing with a few dainty garden gems carrying outfacing or pendant blooms; all will be exciting when the buds unfurl. These hybrids multiply rapidly and bloom over a long season. Although generally unscented, a light scent can be discerned on warm, still days.

Bulbs are mostly five to six inches in circumference, with many of the shorter-growing lilies naturally forming smaller-sixed, mature bulbs in the three- to five-inch range. Bulbs are white with a varying amount of pink tint. Bulb color does not determine flower color; most lily bulbs will turn pinkish when exposed to sunlight during harvest. When planting, cover Asiatics with 3 to 4 inches of fluffy soil, according to the bulb size -- smaller bulbs more shallow.

The photo above shows an Asiatic bulb in the process of dividing into three, new daughter bulbs. Two or three years following such a division, you would want to dig, divide, and replant the "clump" allowing the bulbs more room to grow and further divide.