How to Prune Lilium Orientalis

Lilium orientalis, better known as Oriental lilies, are flowering bulbs that bloom large, exotic and fragrant flowers. They rarely need staking like other tall lily varieties and can safely overwinter in the ground in some of the coldest climates. Oriental lilies are fairly easy to care for and, while they do not require pruning to thrive, if you cut them back at the right time, you can maintain a tidy garden.

Hand clippers
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Cut off spent flowers carefully when they are finished blooming to keep your oriental lily bed neat and clean. Pruning helps increase flower blooms in future seasons because the energy they use to make seeds can now be stored in the bulbs for next year. Cut the flower stalk off with a pair of hand clippers, leaving at least half to two-thirds of the stem in place. You can also pinch off the flowers just under the blooms, if desired.
- 2
  Wait to prune oriental lilies after the foliage dies in the fall. Waiting gives the foliage and stalks time to make lots of energy for next year's growth.
- 3
  Prune the foliage and stalks back to the ground with a pair of clean pruning shears. Discard or compost them.

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Bulbs