Lily Care Strategies

Mulch Strategies

• Mulch is an important tool that keeps lilies healthy and happy. Mulch holds moisture in the soil so roots do not dry out and keeps weeds from sprouting and competing for nutrients. Mulch also protects bulbs from cold during the winter. In the fall, cover lily bulbs with 6 inches of straw, pine needles, leaves or wood chips. Apply the mulch when it gets cold outside but after rodents have found a home for the winter. This keeps them from snacking on the bulbs. In spring, remove the mulch once shoots start to appear so it doesn't choke out the foliage. Rake the mulch off, being careful not to break off the shoots, and then add 2 inches of wood chips or other decorative mulch during the growing period to aid with water retention and weed control.

Compost Strategies

• A thin top dressing of well-rotted compost applied before mulching in spring supplies bulbs with needed nutrients. Lilies are heavy feeders, so a fertilization strategy is necessary to keep them healthy. Foliage requires nitrogen to grow green and lush, and phosphorus and potassium supply blooms with energy to grow and multiply. Right after the shoots emerge and winter mulch is removed, apply a granular 10-10-10 fertilizer, following the package instructions to scratch and water it into the soil near the bulbs. This, along with compost, should provide enough food for lilies to look their loveliest.

Staking Strategies

• Support tall lilies with stakes so they do not droop over from the weight of the flowers. The best strategy is to place stakes in the ground when the bulbs are planted so that the bulbs are not speared by the stake, though support can be carefully added later. Tie the whole plant to the stake loosely so the tie doesn't become too tight as the plant grows.

Pruning Strategies

• The first strategy is to take off faded flowers by breaking them carefully from the stem. This stops seed production so the energy of the plant goes back to the bulb. It also ensures optimum flower production the next year. When plants die back in fall, let the stems dry completely. They should easily pull out from the bulb. Another way to clean them up is to cut them at the base after they dry.