This question was asked by
I bought a dozen lilies from your stall at a Chelsea Flower Show (I think it was there) some 7/8 years ago and they’ve been wonderful however, over the last couple of years, they’ve been less vigorous and I’m sure I saw somewhere that, they should be lifted and moved occasionally, Is this correct and if so, do I need to do anything else, other than simple replant them, in another spot?
Thanks in anticipation,
Ian
Hi there,
Thank you for supporting us at Chelsea all those years ago! We’re so pleased to hear your lilies have brought you years of joy.
You’re absolutely right — lilies can benefit from being lifted and divided after a number of years, especially if they’ve become less vigorous. Over time, lily bulbs can become congested, or the soil may become depleted of nutrients, both of which can affect their performance.
Here’s what we recommend:
When to lift them:
-
Late autumn is ideal — once the foliage has died back naturally.
-
Alternatively, you can lift them in early spring before new growth really takes off.
How to lift and replant:
-
Gently dig them up with a fork (avoid slicing through the bulbs).
-
Brush off excess soil and inspect the bulbs — you may find smaller bulblets around the base.
-
Divide if needed — you can gently separate any offsets and replant them to encourage more flowers in future years.
-
Replant in a fresh spot with:
- Free-draining soil (add grit if needed)
- A sunny or partially shaded spot
- A generous amount of compost or well-rotted manure to refresh the soil
- Plant at a depth of about 3 times the height of the bulb and water them in well.
Extra tips:
-
Avoid waterlogged areas.
-
Consider rotating them into a new bed every 5–7 years to reduce the risk of disease or tired soil.
-
Adding a bit of bonemeal or bulb fertiliser when planting will also give them a boost.
With a little refresh, your lilies should bounce back beautifully and continue to delight you for years to come. Let us know how you get on!
The Hart Family
