What to Do with Lilies After They Bloom?
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Lilies are some of the most beautiful flowers you can grow in your garden. Once they've finished blooming, it's essential to take care of them properly so they can come back strong and healthy next year.
Here's a simple guide on what to do with lilies after they bloom.
Step 1: Remove the Flowers
After your lilies have finished blooming, you should remove the flowers. This is called "deadheading." It helps the plant focus its energy on growing stronger instead of making seeds. Simply cut off the flowers when they start to fade, leaving the stem intact.
Step 2: Let the Leaves Grow
The leaves on your lily plants are very important. They help the bulb store energy for next year's flowers. So, don't cut the leaves until they turn yellow and die back naturally. This usually takes a few weeks.
Step 3: Cut Back the Stems
Once the leaves have turned yellow and died back, you can cut the stems down to the ground. This helps keep your garden looking tidy and prepares the bulbs for winter.
Step 4: Add Mulch and Fertiliser
To keep your lilies healthy, add a layer of mulch around the plants. This helps keep the soil cool and moist. You can also apply a bit of fertiliser in late winter to give your lilies a boost for the next growing season.
Step 5: Divide and Replant (Optional)
If your lilies have been in the same spot for a few years, you might need to dig them up and separate the bulbs. This is called "dividing." It helps keep your lilies strong and encourages them to produce more flowers. Do this in autumn, and replant the bulbs right away.
Tips for Keeping Your Lilies Happy
- Water Them Well: Make sure your lilies get enough water, especially during hot summer days.
- Give Them Sun: Lilies love sunlight, so choose a spot that gets plenty of sun.
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Watch Out for Pests: Keep an eye out for animals like rabbits and slugs that might eat your lilies.
Taking care of lilies after they bloom is easy and rewarding. By following these simple steps, you'll have beautiful flowers blooming in your garden year after year. So, next time your lilies finish flowering, remember to deadhead them, let the leaves grow, cut back the stems, add mulch and fertiliser, and maybe even divide and replant them if needed.
If you are looking for a lilies bouquet, our local florist in Doreen has got the best bunch for you. We do same day flower delivery to Mernda, South Morang, Wollert, Yarrambat, Yan Yean, Whittlesea, Diamond Creek and surrounding areas.
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