Lilies are a cherished addition to many gardens. Preparing these perennial plants for colder months is important to ensure their survival and vigorous return in spring. Proper winter care helps safeguard lily bulbs, allowing them to rest and gather energy for the next growing season. This attention helps maintain the health and beauty of your lily display.
Why Winter Preparation Matters for Lilies
Winterizing lilies protects their bulbs from various environmental challenges. Freezing temperatures can damage unprotected bulbs. Additionally, excessive moisture combined with cold can lead to bulb rot, a common issue in regions with wet winters. Proper preparation allows the lily to enter a healthy dormancy, which is a natural and necessary part of its life cycle for robust blooming and long-term vitality.
Common Winter Preparation Steps for Lilies
General preparation steps apply to most lily types as the growing season concludes. Once the foliage begins to yellow or brown, typically after the first hard frost, it signals that the plant is entering dormancy and energy has been transferred back to the bulb. At this point, stems can be cut back to a few inches above the soil line. This practice helps prevent the buildup of pests and diseases that could overwinter in decaying plant matter.
Winter Care for Hardy Lilies
Hardy lily varieties, which can remain in the ground through winter in suitable hardiness zones (generally USDA Zones 4-9), benefit from additional protection. Applying a layer of mulch helps insulate the bulbs from extreme cold and temperature fluctuations. Suitable mulching materials include straw, pine needles, shredded leaves, or bark, applied in a layer of three to six inches. This mulch also helps to suppress weeds and maintain consistent soil moisture. Apply the mulch after the ground has begun to freeze to avoid creating a warm haven for rodents.
Winter Care for Tender Lilies
Tender lily varieties, particularly those not cold-hardy in colder climates, require lifting and indoor storage to survive the winter. These often include Oriental hybrids or species like Calla lilies and Cannas. To prepare, carefully dig up the bulbs after the foliage has died back, usually after the first light frost but before a hard freeze. Gently remove excess soil, then allow the bulbs to air dry for a few days in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area.
After drying, inspect the bulbs for any signs of rot or disease, discarding unhealthy ones. Dust the bulbs with a fungicidal powder as a preventative measure. Store the bulbs in a breathable medium such as peat moss, sawdust, or shredded paper in a cardboard box or paper bag. Ensure the bulbs do not touch each other to prevent the spread of potential infections. Ideal storage conditions are cool, dry, and dark, with temperatures typically ranging from 35 to 55°F (2-13°C). If bulbs appear to shrivel during storage, a light misting of water can help maintain their hydration.
Winter Care for Potted Lilies
Lilies grown in containers have distinct winter care requirements compared to those planted in the ground, as pots offer less insulation for the roots. For potted lilies, especially tender varieties, move containers to a cool, dark, and frost-free location. Suitable spaces include an unheated garage, shed, or basement, where temperatures remain consistently cool but above freezing, ideally around 50°F (10°C). This allows bulbs to undergo their necessary dormancy.
Reduced watering is important during dormancy; potted lilies do not require much moisture, and the soil should not become waterlogged. Watering lightly once a month may be sufficient to prevent the soil from drying out completely. For hardy varieties in containers, options include burying the pots in the ground for insulation or wrapping them with insulating materials like bubble wrap or straw.