Yes, you can replant Easter lilies (Lilium longiflorum) after they bloom, saving the perennial bulb for future seasons. This process requires specific care because the plant was artificially “forced” by growers to bloom outside of its natural late-spring and summer cycle. Successful replanting focuses on properly nourishing the bulb and transitioning it back to a natural outdoor growing rhythm.
Post-Bloom Preparation for the Bulb
After the flowers fade, remove the spent blossoms, a process known as deadheading. Carefully pinch or cut off the withered flowers to prevent the plant from diverting energy into seed production, which would weaken the bulb. The leaves and stem must be retained completely, even if they appear messy.
The green foliage performs photosynthesis to store carbohydrates back into the bulb for next year’s growth and bloom. While the lily is still potted indoors, provide continued care with bright, indirect sunlight and consistent watering to keep the soil evenly moist. Apply a dilute, low-nitrogen liquid fertilizer once or twice a month to boost the bulb’s nutrients.
Continue this indoor care until the foliage naturally begins to yellow and die back, signaling the bulb is ready for dormancy. This process usually takes several weeks to a few months after the last flower drops. Once the leaves are completely yellow or brown, the bulb is ready for its permanent outdoor home.
The Outdoor Replanting Process
The ideal time to move the prepared bulb into the garden is once the threat of hard frost has passed, typically in late spring or early summer. Before planting, gradually acclimate the plant to outdoor conditions by placing the potted lily outside for increasing periods over a week, a process called hardening off.
Select a location that receives full sun to partial shade, ideally with morning sun and protection from harsh afternoon heat. The soil must be well-draining, as the bulb is highly susceptible to rot in soggy conditions. Incorporating organic matter or sand can improve drainage.
Dig a hole deep enough to place the top of the bulb six to eight inches below the soil surface. This deep planting provides stability for the tall stems and helps regulate the bulb’s temperature and moisture. Gently place the bulb in the hole, spread out the roots, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly to settle the dirt around the roots.
Encouraging Rebloom and Managing Dormancy
After planting, the lily continues its natural growth cycle; new growth may emerge later in the summer or the plant may stay dormant until the following spring. The lily will not bloom again on the holiday schedule it was forced into. The natural bloom time for Lilium longiflorum when grown outdoors is typically in the summer months, from June to August.
During the summer growing season, water the lily during extended dry spells, as it prefers consistently moist, but not saturated, soil. Since outdoor stems can reach two to three feet in height, staking may be necessary to prevent them from snapping in heavy wind or rain.
A winter rest period, or dormancy, is necessary for the bulb to produce flowers the following year. For gardeners in colder climates, apply a heavy layer of protective mulch, such as four to six inches of straw or pine needles, over the planting site once the ground begins to freeze. This insulation helps protect the bulb from extreme temperature fluctuations, ensuring it successfully overwinters.