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I bought 12 bulbs from your stall at Wisley plant fair last September. They have been nothing short of magnificent for the last month. They are finishing now. How do I care for them to ensure ref lowering next year?
Caring for Lilies After Flowering
Once your lilies have finished flowering, you can gradually reduce and then stop watering them. Carefully remove only the spent flower heads, leaving the stems and foliage in place. It’s important to keep as much stem as possible, as the green leaves and stems continue to photosynthesise, sending valuable energy back into the bulb.
Allow the foliage and stem to die back naturally — this is a slow process, and you’ll notice the plant turning yellow, then brown, and becoming hollow. This usually happens in late summer to early autumn. Once the stem is fully yellow and dry, you can cut it back to ground level. This natural die-back is crucial, as it nourishes the bulb and ensures strong flowering the following year.
During winter, leave the bulbs in the ground (or pots) as lilies benefit from a cold dormant phase. They are hardy, but they do dislike sitting in waterlogged soil, which can cause the bulbs to rot. If your soil is heavy or prone to holding water, consider improving drainage with grit or planting in raised beds or pots.
In early spring, refresh the surface of the soil or compost with a new layer of nutrient-rich compost. As soon as new shoots appear, begin feeding every couple of weeks with a diluted tomato feed or another high-potash fertiliser to promote strong stems and large blooms. Continue feeding until flowering finishes.
With this care routine, your lilies should reward you with healthy, vibrant flowers year after year.
The Hart Family
