Caring For The Easter Lily

 It's not only one of the most beautiful, inspirational flowers there is,  it also represents the traditional passage into spring.  When these classy flowers start popping up on supermarket shelves you know warmer weather is near. Although it's origins can be traced to Japan today the largest portion of Easter Lilie's on the market are grown on the eastern coast of the US.  It is said that the hybrid bulbs of the Lily were brought to the US by American Soldiers station in Japan in the early 1900's.  They quickly became a popular household item.   Lilies can be found in many hybrids and colors.  The most popular is of course the white Easter Lily.

Our first year in our new home my husband bought me a Lily that was tall, beautiful and strong.  I still have that Lily.  Now it glorifies my flower garden and has multiplied to a total of six bulbs.  Each year it produces even more Lilies and continues to shows off it's beautiful blooms.  Transplanting a Easter Lily is easy to do and should provide many spans of eye pleasing endurance.  It's also acceptable to keep your Lily indoors as a house plant.  Either way you'll want to make sure you get the most enjoyment and pleasure out of your dazzling plant year after year.  Pick the right place and provide the proper nutrition and you won't go wrong.

You have two choices, either purchase a full grown plant or a bag of Lily bulbs from you local nursery.  If you purchase a full grown plant select one in various stages of bloom.  Lilies will grow up to three feet tall, some even taller.  It's important to make sure the flower you bring home hasn't already outgrown it's pot.  Keep the plant indoors in a room that has plenty of morning sun.  Water only when the top soil is dry.  Over watering a Lily is the number one reason they will not survive.  Easter Lilies will not handle extremely hot temperatures either.  Once your Lily begins to show signs of wearing down trim back the wilted blossoms.  Take good care of the plant throughout  the year and each season your Lily will bloom elegant new foliage.

 

If you purchase bulbs simply place them in the ground at least six inches deep and 6 to 8 inches apart.  Plant in a well drained area with plenty of morning sun and afternoon shade.  You'll want to make sure you plant in early spring for the best blooms.  Feed and water as needed.  Be sure to read and follow your package directions.

 

If you prefer to move you plant outside it's a good choice.  The bulbs will reproduce and  provide new perennials every year.  Plan on transplanting the Lily after the last bud has expired and been clipped away. Find a spot outdoors with plenty of morning sun and afternoon shade.  Be sure to find a well drained garden for transplanting.  It's important to dig a hole with plenty of space for the plant to evolve.  Adding a good time released fertilizer is recommended.  I prefer to feed with plenty of coffee grounds on a regular basis. Once the temperatures are warmer than the Lily can tolerate it will wither.  But like any good perennial the Lily will hibernate beneath the ground during the winter months.  Once the grounds thaw and the sun is warmer your Lily will be one of the first to peak from beneath it's hiding place and bid you a Glorious Spring!