Growing Easter Lilies: How To Care For An Easter Lily Plant
INFORMATION ABOUT EASTER LILIES…
Image by lady_lbrty The Easter Lily, also referred to as the Madonna Lily, has a rich history dating back to mythology and the bible. There are references to them having been formed from mothers’ milk of the gods and Easter lilies are included in many paintings or Mary, the virgin mother.
The Easter lily is a member of the Liliaceae (Lilies) family of plants. Their scientific name is Lilium Candidum. These pure white, statuesque flowers are used as decoration in homes and churches at Easter time and is a popular gift to bring when visiting friends and family. The flowers are considered to be fitting symbols of the true meaning of Easter, womanhood, and all that is graceful.
Easter Lilies can grow to a height of four feet on tall erect stems. They have spear-shaped light green colored leaves and large, trumpet-shaped, white flowers with yellow stamens which grow outwardly from the stem.
Easter lilies have a delightful fragrance that can easily fill a room when they are indoors. Their flowers are commonly used in the making of perfumes and scented soaps.
In most locations, Easter lilies bought at floral shops and garden centers have been forced into a March or April bloom. The Easter lily is actually a summer blooming bulb and is considered hardy in zones 7 through 9.
Easter Lily bulbs prefer to be planted in rich, well-drained soil in a sunny spot of your garden. It is best to keep the bulbs cool and moderately moist while the top of the plant stays dry and warm. You can accomplish this somewhat contradictory task by planting them in full sun and using a thick layer of mulch at the base of your Easter lily plants. As an alternative to mulching you can also plant low growing annuals or perennials underneath and around your Easter lilies.
Easter lily bulbs need to be planted in the fall, for a summer showing, with three inches of soil over their heads. An ideal location for your Easter lilies would include a bit of shelter from wind and/or extreme heat such as nearby a growing shrub or wall, keeping in mind that they also need a lot of sun. After choosing a location, spend a day or two watching the shade patterns of the area before planting your bulbs.
When transplanting an Easter lily already growing in a pot, be sure not to bury it any deeper than it was already growing to avoid problems with rotting leaves. When the plant has lost its bloom and the foliage has turned yellow, cut it back to ground level. The bulb will sometimes return the same year for a summer or early fall bloom but most times won’t reappear until the following year in summer.
Easter lilies look beautiful when planted in mixed garden beds or wherever a tall border is needed.
By choosing the right location and giving your Easter lily a bit of tender loving care, you will be able to enjoy its beauty and fragrance for many years to come.