How to care for Martagon lilies after they’ve flowered

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This question was asked by
– jane spree

My tiger lillies purchased from you last year ( and giving an awesome display) did not give a repeat performance this year – flowers ok but spindly stems and few leaves.
I’m now want to put them away for the winter and have followed instructions regarding cutting them down. What do I do next? lift them?new compost? feed? (when) storage? Any expert advice to restore them to their former glory would be invaluable
Thank you
jane spree

HI there,

Here are some Care Instructions for your Martagon Lilies:

 

How to care for Martagon Lilies

 

    • Lilies can tolerate very cold conditions but they do not like to get wet.

 

    • If planting in borders in the garden, the soil must be well drained and, preferably, humus rich.

 

    • If planting in pots, make sure lilies are kept moist but do not get waterlogged.

 

    • Lilies prefer to be planted in a location with at least half a days full sunshine, if its a bit too shady they will lean their stems towards the sun.

 

    • Lily bulbs do not like to be dried out so they must be kept in soil at all times.

 

    • Try to plant your lilies where they will dry out after rain to prevent Botrytis, a fungus that spots the leaves. If you do see brown spots on your leaves, spray with a fungicide recommended for roses.

 

    • If planting in pots, it may be an idea to tilt the pots on their side in the winter to prevent waterlog.

 

    • When the Lily has finished flowering, cut any seed heads back and allow the foliage to die back naturally. Do not be tempted to cut the stem back until stems becomes hollow and brown.

 

    • Lilies like a cold dormant phase and are happy to stay outside throughout the winter, just ensure they don’t get waterlogged as this will cause the to rot.

 

    • After a few years of flowering, you may find the Lilium Henryi produces less blooms, it may be time to lift your bulbs and divide them by breaking off the bulblets. All the bulbs will then need replanting.

 

    • To prevent Lily Beetles from damaging your lilies, we recommend using the Lily Beetle Prevention Spray or making up your own and using the Concentrate. This Spray (Grazers G4) will also stimulate growth of your lilies.

 

    • You can feed your lilies with a Tomato Feed to stimulate and strengthen your lilies when you start to see signs of growth. Make up your tomato feed with half the recommended dilution (written on the instructions on the bottle) and feed once every 3 weeks.

 

The Hart Family