Care & Maintenance of a Pink Carpet Border Lily

Planting Location

• The most important aspect of growing Asiatic lilies is choosing the planting location. Consider the weather in the summer when choosing the site. Gardeners that live in regions with hot summers must choose a site that offers the lilies afternoon shade. In cooler regions, a full day of sun is ideal. Next, consider the soil. Lilies fail in areas where water remains after a heavy downpour. If you've no choice but to use an area with poor drainage, add shredded bark and lots of compost to correct it.

Water and Fertilizer

• After planting, pink carpet border lily bulbs don't require water until the foliage reaches 3 inches in height. At that point, keep the soil just slightly moist. Once the flowering season ends, stop watering, unless there is a prolonged period of drought. The first fertilizer application occurs at the same time -- when the foliage reaches 3 inches tall. Use a 5-10-10 fertilizer, according to the listed rate on the label.

Pruning and Dividing

• As the pink carpet border lily's flowers fade, break them off the plant, allowing the stem and foliage to remain to feed the bulb. In late fall, cut off all dead foliage and stems. Over time, the pink carpet border lily will increase as the main bulb divides and smaller bulbs grow from it. To avoid crowding, dig up and divide the lily every two to three years. After digging it from the soil, break off the smaller bulbs and replant them. The center bulb is generally discarded during division.

Considerations

• Mulch is one of the most valuable products a gardener can purchase. It helps conserve water, keeps the soil cool and discourages weed growth. For the pink carpet border lily, mulch is a lifesaver. If you live in an area with frigid winters, pile 4 to 6 inches of mulch over the lily to protect it from periods of freezing and subsequent thawing. In springtime, remove the mulch to allow the bulb to grow, and then add a fresh, 2-inch layer around the plants when they reach 3 inches in height. This layer helps cool the roots in the heat of the summer.