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We were given 5 rose lily bulbs from your nursery earlier this year. We grew them in two 14” pots.They have now flowered and the leaves are beginning to go brown. What should we do if we want them to survive the winter and flower again next year?
How to care for Oriental Lilies
Lilies can tolerate very cold conditions but they do not like to get wet.
Lily bulbs do not like to be dried out so they must be kept in soil at all times.
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 throughout the winter so they don’t need lifting. However, do ensure they have adequate drainage and do not get waterlogged as this will cause the bulbs to rot.
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
