Blooming Lillie a in October

mrandysheridan

I bought some great lily bulbs while at the Tatton Flower show back in July. The exhibitor told us to plant them straight away as the bulbs don't store well. Sure enough they sprouted and have grown  magnificently. They are all over a metre tall with between 6-8 flower buds on each plant. My only concern is that its getting late and they might not flower properly with the days getting darker and colder. I'm wondering if I should pinch out the buds in order to get as much energy back into the bulbs for next year. Any thoughts?

Last edited: 03 October 2016 19:01:52

wakeshine

Hi mrandysheridan. Sorry I don't have an answer but I do have this same concern - bought the bulbs at NEC in mid-June but only planted them at the beginning of July. Two sets were fine, have bloomed and finished. Three more haven't bloomed - Eucomis had leaves and a stalk but no flower and I think it's now too late. The roselillies, like yours, have 3-4 buds on each plant but just two have been stuck mid-burst for a week. I am also wondering what to do as it is getting too late - days getting cold and dark. Am really disappointed with the Eucomis - I rang another vendor for advice and they said this variety shouldn't have been sold to me so late as it usually flowers in July so July planting is not advised! Anyway I am awaiting others' thoughts too. Wish I hadn't been so gullible and bought the bulbs so late.

Fairygirl

I'd leave them. They'll die back naturally and come away again next spring. 

Wakeshine - if you're in a  milder area, and they're in good, well drained soil, in a sheltered spot, your Eucomis might be ok to overwinter. If they're deep enough, they should be fine. They'll also die back naturally. 

wakeshine

Thanks Fairygirl

Iamweedy

I would leave them well alone. Most of them are pretty robust. Beware of the lily beetles the little beggars are very pretty but their grubs do a lot of damage.