Calla Lily Advice

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This question was asked by
– Richard P – 

I bought three Calla Lily bulbs from you at the recent Wentworth Woodhouse show. I was advised to plane them in normal multi purpose compost.

My questions are…..
1. when to plant them.
2. When will they flower.
3 do I lift the bulbs once they have flowered

Can you help me on this?

Many thanks

Calla lilies

Thank you so much for your purchase at the Wentworth Woodhouse show — we’re delighted you chose our Calla Lilies!

To answer your questions:

  • When to plant them:
    You need to plant your Calla Lily bulbs now. Use multi-purpose compost with added drainage (like grit or perlite), and plant the bulbs about 7–10cm deep with the growing point facing upwards.

  • When they will flower:
    Calla Lilies usually flower around 8 to 12 weeks after planting, so if you plant them now, you can expect beautiful blooms in approx 8-12 weeks.

  • Do I lift the bulbs after flowering?
    Yes —  it’s best to lift the bulbs before the first frost in autumn. Let the foliage die back naturally, then dig up the tubers, clean them off, and store them in a cool, dry, frost-free place (like a shed or garage) over winter, ready to replant next year.

If you need any more guidance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Wishing you a colourful and successful display!

The Hart Family

older Lilies

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This question was asked by
– Mr ian L – 

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

Thankyou

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This question was asked by
– Karen T – 

Just a quick note to thank you for my beautiful lily bulbs purchased in April, I have them in large pots on my allotment (no sun in the garden!) and they are beyond wonderful, they have surpassed my happiest expectations by 100%. Ok, I have looked after them lovingly and the warm summer has suited them, but there’s no getting away from the fact that they were the most strong, healthy lily bulbs I have ever planted out and they have done you proud . Everyone who sees them is amazed, ive taken them to 2 shows and won, and decorated the church, and still have plenty flowering on the plot. May order more next year, well done.

Ahh, thank you so much for your lovely feedback — it really means a lot to us! It’s wonderful to hear how happy you are with your lilies and even better to know how well you’ve done with them at the shows. We love hearing stories like yours, especially when our customers take such pride in growing them and seeing success. It’s a real pleasure to know our lilies have been part of your journey and have brought you so much enjoyment. Please do keep us updated — we’d love to hear how you get on with them in the future!
If you get a chance, would you mind leaving us a review on Trustpilot? We would love to share your experience with other customers.

Click here to leave a Trustpilot review

Thanks again!

The Hart Family

Red beetle

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This question was asked by
– Kenneth F

What is recommended to control the Red Beetle currently enjoying our beautiful Lilies?

Lily beetle

We recommend using the Lily Beetle Prevention Spray early in the season — ideally as soon as your lilies start showing signs of growth. This allows the spray to be absorbed into the plant, making the leaves taste unappealing to beetles.

Now that your lilies are likely in bloom, you might want to try Neem Oil as an alternative option.

To use Neem Oil on your lilies:

    • Mix according to the label — usually around 5ml (1 teaspoon) of Neem Oil with 1 litre of water, plus a few drops of washing-up liquid to help it stick.

    • Spray thoroughly over the leaves, stems, and buds, making sure to coat the undersides where pests often hide.

    • Apply in the early morning or evening when it’s cooler, and avoid spraying in full sun to prevent leaf scorch.

    • Repeat every 7–10 days or after heavy rain for continued protection.

Neem works best as a deterrent, so regular use can help keep lily beetles at bay throughout the season.

The Hart Family

Just a Thank you

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This question was asked by
– Colin S – 

As a new customer for your lilies i just need to say how pleased I am with my order this year. All strongly growing upright healthy plants have been topped by a magnificent display of blooms. As an example I think Jacksonville would be visible from outer space -what a variety!!
Best lilies I have ever grown and I look forward to placing my order for next year.
Sorry to go on but felt it had to be said. As a last point , congratulations on your RHS award which is clearly well deserved.
Thanks again
Regards
Colin

Thank you so much! It’s so nice of you to take the time to email and leave such lovely feedback.
If you get a chance, would you mind leaving us a review on Trustpilot? We would love to share your experience with other customers.

Click here to leave a Trustpilot review

Thanks again!

The Hart Family

Thank you

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This question was asked by
– Z. Foley -Davies

It’s been a spectacular year for lilies and I just wanted to thank you for the tree lilies which are stunning again this year and which cause such a sensation in my Norwich city garden. I’m currently in the conservatory and I keep getting fabulous whifts of scent from them. Congratulations on all your awards this this year. Well deserved.

Ahh thank you so much for your lovely feedback.

If you get a chance, would you mind leaving us a review on Trustpilot? We would love to share your experience with other customers.

Click here to leave a Trustpilot review

Thanks again!

The Hart Family

Bulbs

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This question was asked by
– Emily G

Hello I bought some bulbs from you at hampton court I was wondering if you had any of these in stock I could order online please; roselily aisha, roselily anouska and firebolt please

Thank you

Hi there,
Unfortunately, we have stopped sending out Lily Bulbs for this year. You will be able to pre-order them in the Autumn for dispatch next Spring. You can click on the link on the product page that says ‘tell me when this is back in stock’ so you receive an email notifying you to pre-order them.
Roselilies

Roselily mixed

The Hart Family

Find a type of lily

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This question was asked by
– Min P

I bought at the supermarket opened up into giant white fragrant flowers, nearly 30 centimetres in diameter. I want to grow them myself in uk garden outdoor, please recommend a variety, thank you.
Also if you post Lily catalogue for next season? Many thanks. Meg

Hi there,
Unfortunately, we have stopped sending out Lily Bulbs for this year. The lily you mention sounds like a white oriental trumpet variety. You will be able to pre-order them soon for dispatch next Spring. You can click on the link on any of the product pages that says ‘tell me when this is back in stock’ so you receive an email notifying you to pre-order them.

You can find all our oriental trumpet lilies here: Oriental Trumpet Lilies


The Hart Family

Issues with Lilies

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This question was asked by
– Mr M

I have two separate stalks of lilies come up this year, but unfortunately they have started to go orange/yellow even a light rusty colour and looks like they are dying before it has had a chance to flower. Would someone please help or is it too late?
Many thanks Mr M

 

Thank you for getting in touch, and we’re sorry to hear your lilies aren’t thriving as expected. It can be really disheartening to see them decline before flowering, but there may still be hope depending on the cause.

From your description—orange/yellowing leaves and a rusty appearance—it sounds like your lilies may be affected by lily rust or another stress-related issue. Here are a few possibilities and tips to help:

Possible Causes:

1. Lily Rust (Fungal Disease):
This is a common fungal infection that causes orange or rusty spots on the leaves. It typically spreads in warm, damp conditions.

What to do:

  • Remove and destroy any infected leaves (do not compost).
  • Treat with a fungicide suitable for ornamental plants if the infection is mild.
  • Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering.

2. Nutrient Deficiency or Stress:
Yellowing leaves can also be a sign of poor drainage, compacted soil, or a lack of nutrients.

What to do:

  • Ensure the soil is free-draining and not waterlogged.
  • Use a balanced, slow-release fertiliser (or even tomato feed at half strength) to support healthy growth.
  • Check that your lilies are planted in a sunny spot—most need at least half a day of sun.

3. Bulb Exhaustion or Rot:
If the bulbs are soft or mushy, they may have rotted due to poor drainage or excess moisture.

What to do:

  • Gently dig around the bulb to check its condition. If it’s firm, it may still recover next season.
  • If it’s soft or has a foul smell, it will unfortunately not recover.

Is It Too Late?

If the bulb is still firm and the base of the stem is green, there’s a chance it will come back next year with proper care. Lilies are perennials, and sometimes they take a season off to recover if they’ve been stressed or poorly established.

In Summary:

  • Remove affected foliage
  • Improve drainage and airflow
  • Consider a gentle fungicide or feed
  • Check the bulb condition if symptoms worsen

We hope your lilies bounce back—thank you for giving them the care they deserve.

The Hart Family

Ginger Lily

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This question was asked by
– Louise O

I purchased a ginger lily from you at Malvern. I planted it a week later and so far it hasn’t grown can you help please. I planted horizontal with the one green bud visible on top and covered in 1cm soil and have tried to keep damp not wet in this dry spell. I looked today and there are no roots at all but there is one bud swelling at one end. I have removed most of the soil from the top, wondering if they should be more superficial, and it’s been rained on so it is moist. Am I being impatient or did I get something wrong? It’s in a pot in full sun. Thank you!

 

Hedychium Gardnerianum The ‘Ginger Lily’

Hi Louise,
Here’s some helpful information that may assist you:

Why They Take Time:

    • Tropical Origins: Ginger lilies are native to warm, humid climates. If the soil or air temperature isn’t warm enough (typically below 60–65°F / 15–18°C), they stay dormant.

    • Seasonal Sleepers: They often remain dormant until late spring or even early summer, depending on your climate zone.

    • Energy First, Flowers Later: They focus on establishing strong root systems before sending up shoots or blooms.

How to Help Them Get Going:

    • Warmth: Make sure they’re planted in a warm spot with plenty of sun. If they’re in pots, moving them to a sunnier, sheltered location can speed things up.

    • Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. They don’t like to dry out completely.

    • Feed Them: A gentle, balanced fertilizer (slow-release formula) can help encourage growth once you see green shoots.

    • Mulch for Heat Retention: Mulching helps retain warmth and moisture in the soil.

    • Be Patient: Some varieties naturally take longer than others. Trust that the underground rhizomes are doing their thing!

The Hart Family