Tiger lilies, scientifically known as Lilium lancifolium or Lilium tigrinum, are resilient perennial flowers that bring striking color to the summer garden. These hardy plants grow from bulbs that naturally multiply beneath the soil over time, creating dense clumps. Overcrowding can lead to reduced air circulation, increased disease susceptibility, and a noticeable decline in the size and quality of the blooms. Transplanting and dividing the bulbs every three to five years rejuvenates the plant, ensuring continued vigor and a robust flowering display.
Identifying the Optimal Time for Relocation
The ideal period for relocating tiger lilies is when the plant is in its dormant phase, which minimizes transplant shock and maximizes the bulb’s ability to establish new roots. This window of opportunity occurs during two primary times of the year.
The preferred time is early to mid-fall, specifically after the foliage has naturally yellowed and died back following the summer bloom, but well before the ground freezes solid. At this stage, the bulb has stored its energy for the winter. The lack of above-ground growth allows the plant to dedicate all resources to root recovery in the new location. Fall planting provides a cool, moist environment for the bulb to settle in and begin generating basal roots, which will anchor the plant for the following spring.
An alternative time is very early spring, as soon as the soil is workable and before new shoots emerge from the ground. Transplanting in spring requires the bulb to establish roots quickly before shifting its energy to producing stem and leaf growth. If you choose the spring window, proceed with caution to avoid damaging the delicate new sprouts, which could impact that season’s flowering potential. Marking the location of the plants before the foliage disappears is helpful to ensure the bulbs are found and moved with precision.
Essential Preparations Before Digging
Selecting and preparing the new planting site must be completed before the old bulbs are disturbed. Tiger lilies thrive in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, though they appreciate some afternoon shade in regions with intense summer heat. The soil at the new location must be well-draining, as the fleshy bulbs are highly susceptible to rot if they sit in standing water.
The planting bed should be loosened to a depth of at least 12 inches to allow for proper root penetration and drainage. Incorporating generous amounts of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, improves both fertility and soil structure. Tiger lilies prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ideally between 5.5 and 6.5.
Prepare the new holes to a depth that is about three times the height of the bulb and twice its diameter, ensuring ample space for the roots to spread. Having the new holes ready before lifting the bulbs minimizes the time the bulbs are exposed to the air. Lily bulbs are non-tunicated, meaning they lack a protective outer layer, and can dry out quickly, making swift replanting important for survival.
The Step-by-Step Transplanting Procedure
Lifting the bulbs requires careful technique to preserve the delicate root structure and the bulb scales. Start by using a garden fork or shovel to dig a wide circle about 8 to 10 inches away from where the stem emerged from the ground. Drive the tool straight down to a depth of about 8 inches, then gently lever the entire clump upward to minimize the risk of slicing into the bulbs.
Once the clump is lifted, gently brush away the excess soil to expose the cluster of bulbs and any attached bulblets. Separate the bulbs by hand, gently pulling them apart at their natural joints to create individual planting units. Inspect each bulb closely and discard any that show signs of rot, mold, or significant damage.
Place the healthy bulbs in the prepared holes with the pointed end facing upward and the roots pointing downward. The planting depth should be approximately 6 to 8 inches, roughly three times the height of the bulb, to provide stability and insulation. Spread the roots out carefully in the hole and backfill with the amended soil, lightly firming it around the base of the bulb to eliminate air pockets.
Post-Transplant Care for Recovery
Immediately following the replanting process, the bulbs require a thorough and deep watering to help settle the soil and initiate root-to-soil contact. This initial soaking is important for establishing the bulb in its new home and reducing the stress of the move. For the next several weeks, maintain consistent soil moisture until the bulbs have visibly established themselves.
Applying a 2-inch layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or compost, around the planting area helps to conserve soil moisture and moderates the soil temperature. This protection is especially beneficial for fall transplants, as it insulates the bulbs from extreme temperature fluctuations over winter. Keep the mulch a few inches away from where the stem will emerge to prevent rot.
If transplanting occurred in the fall, expect the plant to focus entirely on root growth until the following spring, with blooms appearing on their normal summer schedule. Spring-transplanted lilies may still produce flowers that summer, though they might be less robust than usual as the plant prioritizes root recovery. Avoid fertilizing immediately after transplanting, waiting until the plant shows active, healthy growth.