The genus Lilium includes many popular perennial plants cherished for their striking flowers and fragrance. These plants grow from bulbs and naturally multiply over time, often leading to overcrowded clumps that produce fewer or smaller blooms. Gardeners must relocate established plants to ensure their continued vigor and health. While circumstances sometimes necessitate a move right away, the urgency of spring often conflicts with the plant’s biological needs.
Understanding the Best Time for Lily Transplant
While it is possible to move lilies in the spring, this timing is not optimal because the plant is already in a state of active growth. The preferred time for transplanting is in the fall, specifically late September or early October, after the foliage has naturally matured and died back. This timing ensures the lily bulb has completed photosynthesis, storing maximum energy for the next year while the plant is near-dormancy.
Moving a lily in the spring, especially after new shoots have emerged, risks significant root disturbance. If the new shoot is broken off during digging, the bulb will not produce another stem that season, eliminating the possibility of a bloom that year. Therefore, spring transplanting should be reserved for scenarios where the move cannot be delayed until fall. The earlier the move occurs—ideally just as the soil thaws before any new growth is visible—the better the chances for a successful transition.
Step-by-Step Spring Transplant Procedure
The first step is to prepare the new location before disturbing the existing plant, ensuring the lily is out of the ground for the shortest possible duration. Lilies thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, which can be improved by incorporating organic matter like compost. Dig the receiving hole slightly larger and deeper than the entire root and soil mass you intend to move.
When digging up the established lily, begin five to eight inches away from the visible stem and dig down about 12 inches to encompass the entire bulb and root system. The goal is to lift the entire clump with as much surrounding soil intact as possible to minimize root damage and transplant shock. If the plants are overcrowded and you intended to divide them, postpone this step until the fall. Dividing the root systems of actively growing spring lilies creates excessive damage that compromises their ability to recover.
If the lily has already produced a stem, handle the clump with extreme care to prevent the brittle new growth from snapping. Place the intact root ball into the prepared hole immediately, ensuring the bulb is situated at the correct depth. Typically, five to six inches of soil should cover the top of the bulb for larger varieties. Backfill the hole with the amended soil and gently firm it around the root mass to eliminate air pockets.
Essential Care for Newly Moved Lilies
After the lily has been replanted, the immediate priority is managing hydration and recovery. Provide a deep initial watering to settle the soil around the roots and ensure good soil-to-root contact. While the lily requires sufficient moisture to establish itself, overwatering is a common mistake that can lead to bulb rot or cause the lower leaves to yellow.
Monitor the soil moisture closely, watering again only when the top two inches of soil are dry to the touch. Applying a two-inch layer of organic mulch around the plant, keeping it clear of the stem, helps conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature fluctuations. If the stem appears unstable, temporary staking can provide support until the root system anchors itself. A few weeks after transplanting, a light application of a balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer, such as a 10-20-20 formulation, can support the development of new roots.