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Lilies in February

debs64debs64 Posts: 4,716
in Plants
Hi all. Son bought me a gorgeous pot of oriental lilies for my recent birthday they are just about to flower. What about aftercare? I was thinking a pot in the garden but should I plant just the bulbs or leave the green leaves on? Any chance they will flower again this year?
Any advice gratefully received 

Posts

  • bédébédé Posts: 1,722
    edited 9 February
    Always let the leaves die down naturally.  They will be feeding the bulb for next year's flowers.  Don't expect them to flower at the same time.
      location: Surrey Hills, England, cretaceous acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 8,068
    They must have been forced so I think that'll be it for flowers this year. I would hold off putting them outside until the weather is warmer. Lilies aren't supposed to have green leaves at this time of year and if the leaves get killed off by cold/frost, they won't have done the job of building up the bulbs for next year. A cool windowsill or conservatory might be better after the flowers are over.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 50,123
    Let them die back naturally somewhere as @JennyJ describes - a porch is ideal if you have one. Cool windowsill otherwise, then pot them up. Tuck them in a spot out of torrential rain, as they can rot if in wet soil long term. They'll bulk up and flower next summer.  :)
    They don't repeat flower, but will increase over time, so you'll get plenty more and can split and pot those up. 
    A nice addition to you other pots @debs64.  I grow most of mine in pots as I often lose them in the ground for the reasons mentioned. They need good drainage, and watch out for lily beetles    :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • debs64debs64 Posts: 4,716
    edited 9 February
    Thanks all. Will enjoy them in the house then pop them in my unheated greenhouse to die back then pot on the bulbs to enjoy in years to come. I love lilies but it’s a constant battle with those darned beetles! 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 50,123
    They're a r*ddy nuisance aren't they?
    We don't get them too badly here, but a couple of years ago I had a fair old infestation, and I can only put it down to the much milder conditions allowing them to be more successful in breeding. I had virtually none last summer, but I'd been really vigilant about squishing as soon as I found any that previous year, so it seemed to have paid off. Last winter was very very mild, so I think they would have been bad if I hadn't got on top of them.
    Some varieties seem more prone too. My white ones hardly ever have them, but the dark reds do. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • debs64debs64 Posts: 4,716
    I only grow lilies in pots in my front garden now as it’s easier to keep an eye out for beetles and their disgusting larvae. I was checking every day last year and managed some healthy plants with undamaged flowers but I do wonder if it’s worth the bother. I grow them to cut for the house and a bunch from the supermarket is usually fairly inexpensive but I don’t want to be beaten. I did grow the “rose” lilies last year and that was worth it as you can’t buy those. 
  • debs64debs64 Posts: 4,716
    oh dear! Just found an online nursery with a good selection of rose lily bulbs and ordered £50 worth! I just can’t resist free delivery with a minimum spend. I blame @Fairygirl
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 50,123
    debs64 said:
    oh dear! Just found an online nursery with a good selection of rose lily bulbs and ordered £50 worth! I just can’t resist free delivery with a minimum spend. I blame @Fairygirl
    Not me guv...a big boy did it and ran away.... :D
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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