Prairie Lily Care at Home

Location and Planting

• Plant prairie lilies in full sun or light shade. Prairie lilies grow in part shade but too much reduces flowering and causes the plants to get leggy looking. Prairie lilies thrive in dry soil rich in hummus. Plant lily bulbs in a spot that drains well throughout the year. Lily bulbs develop rot problems when exposed to periods or standing water or wet, heavy soil. Plant lilies in groups of three or five for best effect in the flower garden.

Planting

• Plant lily bulbs in the fall between September and October. Lily bulbs, in their partly dormant state, require the winter period in the cold soil to get established for the next season's growth. Bury each bulb in a hole three times deeper than the height of the bulb with the pointed end up and the wider area facing down. Cover the bulbs with soil and water the garden bed. Plant prairie lilies, actively growing in containers, out any time during spring or summer.

Mulching and Winter Care

• Spread a 4 to 6-inch layer of mulch over the bulbs in the fall after the first frosts. The mulch layer regulates soil temperature. Pull the mulch layer back from the area directly over the bulbs in spring to make room for the new shoots. Work carefully to avoid damaging new growth. Leave the mulch around the stalks through the growing season to keep the soil cool during summer and to help conserve moisture during dry weather.

Flower and Leaf Care

• Prairie lilies grow quite happily without a lot of fuss or care, but a few simple tasks keep the plants growing vigorously. Remove the spent flowers as they fade. Once the flower dies back, lily plants put energy into seed development rather than more flowers. Keeping plants deadheaded regularly encourages prolonged flowering. Cut back the foliage late in winter when it dies back naturally. Prairie lilies need their leaves in the fall to gather and store nutrients in the bulbs.