How do I care for my Easter lily?
Answer
Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum) is almost exclusively forced to bloom as a pot plant at Easter time. The bulbs are propagated and grown to forcing size by specialists. An Easter gift plant of lilies can easily be cared for in a bright window (east). It is best to remove any wrapping to ensure good drainage into a saucer.
Water when dry in the morning with room-temperature water (water soil all the way through), and remove any remaining excess water. Turn your plant a quarter turn every few days to help keep the flowers upright. After your flowers fade, you can plant the lily in a sunny spot in your garden. Lilium longiflorum is hardy in USDA zone 4 to 8, though some cultivars are less cold hardy. Easter lilies' usual time of flowering is midsummer.
For tips on a variety of gardening topics, see our Plant Information Guides.
- Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service
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