Tree Lilies

Unionworkeruk

I planted some tree lilies over a month ago in both a pot and directly in the garden. So far I have had no sight of them above ground. Is that to be expected or should I check, particularly the ones in the pot,  as they have been subject to almost non stop rain and possibly replant them in drier compost or just leave alone  ? When should I expect to see some activity above ground ?

Dovefromabove

When the soil warms up a bit ... in the meantime try to cultivate some patience 

Stevedaylilly

Hi 
They need well drained soil so hopefully you put a lot of Hort. grit and sand in the compost when you planted them. If you didn't, then I would throw some in to ensure against waterlogging and bulb rot 

Unionworkeruk

greenfingers steve said:

Hi 
They need well drained soil so hopefully you put a lot of Hort. grit and sand in the compost when you planted them. If you didn't, then I would throw some in to ensure against waterlogging and bulb rot 

I did put some in but can I remove the bulbs while I check and put in some more or will they be damaged if moved ?

Stevedaylilly

Hi
As there in pots just fork it in carefully from the top. As you only planted them out a month ago they wouldn't have started any major growth untill the weather start getting warmer. If you did put sufficient grit in then don't worry. The fresh compost you probably used to fill the pots will effectively create good drainage for the Lilly bulbs  

Unionworkeruk

Thanks for all the advice. Now I just have to wait  for it to stop raining.......

greenfingers steve said:

Hi
As there in pots just fork it in carefully from the top. As you only planted them out a month ago they wouldn't have started any major growth untill the weather start getting warmer. If you did put sufficient grit in then don't worry. The fresh compost you probably used to fill the pots will effectively create good drainage for the

Unionworkeruk

An update

As advised I cultivated some patience and have been rewarded with great clusters of flowers on both the container and soil based plants. All about 4 foot high.

The question now is how long do they bloom as a couple are already losing their petals  after just a few weeks. My other lilies only seem to last three weeks or so. Will it be the same for the tree lilies and is there any point in dead heading etc ?   Thanks

fidgetbones

Dead heading allows the stems to send back food to the bulb, so they grow more flowers next year.  Two to three weeks is about all the flowering you get. Glorious while they are out.  Feed the plants once a week with a liquid feed to build up the bulbs.

Unionworkeruk

  Now I know it is not me and will now deadhead and feed  Thanks