When to Transplant Mona Lisa Lilies

Timing

• Transplant "Mona Lisa" lilies in cool weather -- either in autumn or before new growth appears in early spring. If you transplant in autumn, wait a few weeks after blooming ends. Never transplant a lily during hot weather, as some root loss during transplantation is inevitable and the plant will be unable to absorb enough water to remain cool. As a result, the plant may die. Transplant the lilies on a cool, overcast or rainy day.

Growing Requirements

• Transplant "Mona Lisa" lilies into a spot where the soil drains well, as the plant will rot in muddy soil or standing water. Oriental lilies perform best in slightly acidic soil with a pH of about 6.5. If the soil is clay or sandy, incorporate generous amounts of organic matter such as chopped bark or compost into the soil at planting time. Transplant the lily to a spot where the plant is exposed to a minimum of eight hours of direct sunlight daily, as lilies grown in shade become long and spindly from stretching for sunlight.

Transplanting

• Cut the remaining stem from the top of the lily before transplanting. Lift the bulbs from the ground by digging deeply under the plant with a garden fork. Don't use a shovel or spade, as the sharp edges easily slice the bulbs. Plant the bulbs 4 to 6 inches deep, and then water thoroughly to soak the soil around the bulbs. To provide a dramatic impact, plant lily bulbs in groups of three or five. Allow 8 to 12 inches between each bulb and 3 to 5 feet between each group of bulbs. If you want to divide the bulbs to create more plantings, this is the best time. Brush the excess dirt off the bulbs so you can see the natural divisions, and then pull the bulbs apart at those divisions.

Care

• Spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the newly transplanted bulbs to keep the roots cool and moist. Water as needed to keep the soil evenly moist -- neither soaking wet nor bone dry -- until the plants are 3 to 6 inches tall. Thereafter, allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Water the plant deeply, saturating the soil to a depth of about 6 inches, whenever the soil feels slightly dry. Water at the base of the plant to prevent diseases caused by wet foliage. Feed "Mona Lisa" lilies every spring, using a 5-10-10 fertilizer applied at a rate of 2 pounds of dry fertilizer per 100 feet of garden space, or about 1 scant tablespoon per plant. Remove blooms as soon as they fade to promote continued blooming until the end of the season. Leave the foliage on the plants until it turns yellow at the end of the season, as green foliage absorbs sunlight that provides energy for the underground bulbs.