Tiger lilies are cherished additions to many gardens, known for their vibrant blooms and robust nature. Moving these plants from one location to another, a process known as transplanting, can help maintain their health and encourage vigorous growth. Successfully transplanting tiger lilies ensures they continue to thrive and enhance garden aesthetics.
Why and When to Transplant Tiger Lilies
Tiger lilies can become overcrowded, leading to reduced flowering and vigor. Transplanting allows for clump division, providing each plant with adequate space and resources. Gardeners also transplant to improve growing conditions, such as relocating plants to an area with better sun exposure or soil drainage. A garden redesign might also necessitate moving established plants. The best times to transplant are fall (after flowering and foliage dieback) or early spring (before new growth). These periods are optimal as plants are dormant or just emerging, minimizing stress and aiding acclimation to a new environment.
Preparing for Transplant
Prepare both the new site and the plant before transplanting. Select an appropriate new location that receives full sun to partial shade (approximately six hours of direct sunlight daily) and offers well-draining soil. Tiger lilies prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, generally between 6.0 and 7.0. Amend the new site’s soil to enhance its quality and provide a hospitable environment. Incorporating organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, improves soil structure, fertility, and drainage. Dig the new planting hole to a depth and width that can comfortably accommodate the lily’s root ball, ensuring it is at least twice as wide as the root spread and roughly the same depth. Thoroughly water the tiger lily in its original location a day or two before transplanting. This ensures the plant is well-hydrated, reducing the risk of transplant shock.
The Transplanting Process
Carefully move the tiger lily to minimize root system damage. Begin by digging a wide circle around the plant, approximately 6 to 8 inches from the base of the stem, using a sharp spade or garden fork. Gradually work the tool around the perimeter, gently prying the plant from the ground while aiming to retain as much of the root ball as possible. Lift the entire clump, including the bulbs and roots, intact. If the clump is large, divide it into smaller sections, each containing healthy bulbs and roots. Handle the root ball gently to prevent disturbance or breakage of delicate feeder roots. Transport the plant, or its divisions, to the prepared new location using a tarp, wheelbarrow, or sturdy container to support the root ball. Position the tiger lily in the prepared hole, ensuring the top of the bulb is at the same depth as it was in its previous location, typically about 6 inches below the soil surface. Backfill the hole with the amended soil, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate air pockets. Avoid compacting the soil too tightly, as this can impede root development and water penetration.
Post-Transplant Care
Immediate and consistent care is important for the tiger lily’s successful establishment. Thoroughly water the newly planted lily immediately after placement to help settle the soil around the roots and remove any remaining air pockets. This initial watering mitigates transplant shock.
Maintain consistent moisture during the recovery period, especially for the first few weeks to months. Water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. Excessive dryness can stress the newly transplanted lily.
Apply a 2 to 3-inch layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded bark, around the base of the plant. Mulch retains soil moisture, regulates temperature, and suppresses weeds.
Regularly inspect the transplanted tiger lily for any signs of stress, such as wilting, yellowing leaves, or pest activity. While immediate fertilization is generally not recommended, once new growth emerges, a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied to support continued development.