Just like poinsettias are linked to Christmas and chrysanthemums are tied to Thanksgiving, Easter lilies are a sure sign of the holiday they’re named after. Their large trumpet-shaped blooms seem to announce the arrival of spring as well as the rebirth that comes with it. And while there’s no doubt that Easter lilies are some of the most popular cut flowers for Easter, you may not know that you can also plant and grow these plants in your garden!
We’re going to introduce you to some helpful tips related to caring for both cut Easter lilies that thrive as flower centerpieces as well as Easter lily plants that light up the garden. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have what it takes to help these beauties shine.
Caring for Cut Easter Lilies
When it comes time to order a spring flower delivery, a few types of flowers often pop into peoples’ minds. There are early blooming spring flowers like daffodils, tulips, and hellebore. And then there are flowers that have become known as symbols of spring, such as the Easter lily.
Properly unpacking and caring for your Easter lily bouquet can help it thrive for over a week. So make sure you keep the following tips in mind!
First, unpack your flowers as soon as they arrive. While your bouquet will likely be just fine sitting in its box for a few hours, the quicker you act, the better. Start by opening the box, removing any protective packaging, and cutting the rubber band or tie holding the stems together. Next, use a sharp pair of pruning shears or a knife to give all of the stems a fresh 45º cut.
Find a vase that will fit the flowers and ensure it’s been cleaned since it was last used (this will help prevent the spread of disease). Fill the vase about halfway with water, add flower food, then add the lilies. If any leaves are touching the water, go ahead and remove them from the stems.
Place the flowers somewhere that is out of direct light and drafts. If possible, keep the temperature on the cooler side—this will help the flowers last longer.
Keep an eye on the water level and add more water as necessary. To help the flowers last as long as possible, remove them from the vase, trim their stems, and add them to fresh water every few days.
Caring for Easter Lilies in Gardens
While you may only think of bouquets of Easter lilies come spring, these plants can also add beauty to your garden. However, just don’t expect home-grown Easter lilies for the holiday—most of these beauties won’t bloom in the summer in the United States.
Planting Easter Lilies from Bulbs
Like with many plants grown from bulbs, Easter lilies require you to think ahead. If you want to enjoy their trumpet-shaped blooms in the summer, you’ll need to tuck the bulbs into the ground the following fall. However, as long as you live in a warm climate (USDA hardiness zone 8 or above), the bulbs will continue to bloom each year.
The best time to plant bulbs is in the fall before the first frost arrives. Dig a hole that is about six inches deep, add a handful of compost, place the bulb in the hole, and then cover it with soil. And make sure you insert the bulb with the stem side facing up! If you’re planting multiple bulbs, plant them at least eight inches apart.
After a few years of growth, Easter lily bulbs will begin to form small offsets known as bulblets. You can dig up the bulblets in the fall, separate them, and replant them to increase the number of lily plants present in your garden. Or, you can share some of the small bulbs with friends!
Planting Potted Easter Lilies
If you received a potted Easter lily in the spring, you can also attempt to move to plant outside. You should wait until the plant has dropped all of its flowers and also ensure that the danger of frost has passed.
Before you place your plant in the ground, spend a few days acclimating it to the outdoor temperatures, sunlight, and wind. Keep the plant in its pot, move it outside for a few hours, and then move it back inside at night. Continue increasing the amount of time the plant spends outside until it eventually stays outside all day and night. At this point, it’s safe to plant it in the ground.
Dig a hole that is a bit larger than the plant’s root ball, add a handful of compost, and place the plant in the hole. Cover with soil and water well.
Where to Plant Easter Lilies
Easter lilies prefer to grow in an area that receives bright morning light but is protected from the harsh afternoon sun. That said, these plants can thrive in many areas that receive full sun or partial shade.
As far as soil goes, Easter lilies plants love well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter like compost or peat moss. Ideally, the soil should have a neutral to slightly-acidic pH (between 6.0 and 7.0).
How to Water Easter Lilies
Easter lilies require a moderate amount of water—they don’t tolerate drought very well but they also dislike wet soil. A good rule of thumb is to water the plants when the top inch or two of the soil is dry. Depending on the temperature, humidity, and time of year, you can expect to water the plants one to three times a week.
Common Pests and Diseases
Both indoor and outdoor Easter lilies can be impacted by sapsucking pests including aphids and thrips. While a few of these pests won’t cause much damage, they can rapidly multiply and overwhelm a plant. Therefore, it’s best to treat the pests as soon as you see them. If you notice just a handful of pests, you can wipe them off with a soapy rag. However, you may need to spray larger infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Aphids can also spread a disease known as lily mosaic virus. This virus causes yellow and brown spots on lily leaves and can eventually lead to death. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the disease, so it’s best to dispose of infected plants to prevent spread.
Lily bulbs can also be infected by numerous fungal diseases that cause the bulbs to rot. These fungi are more likely to thrive in moist conditions, so make sure you use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Caring for Easter Lilies in Pots
While bouquets of Easter lilies are popular in the springtime, so are potted versions of these stunning plants. Growers have learned how to force certain varieties of Easter lily bulbs so they bloom a bit earlier than their natural flowering time. Whether you bring a potted plant into your home in the spring or plant a bulb in your own pot, you’ll want to care for your potted lily in a similar way.
First, ensure that you are using a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. Mixes that are based on peat moss or coco coir often work well. You’ll also need to make sure that your pot has drainage holes that prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.
When it comes to the type of pot, you’ll generally want to choose a container that is four to six inches deep and the same size in diameter. This will give the plant’s roots enough room to grow, but not provide so much extra soil that it becomes waterlogged.
No matter if you keep your plant inside or outside, try to keep it in a warm location with lots of light. However, if you move your lily from the indoors to out, acclimate it to its new environment over the course of a week.
Popular Easter Lily Varieties
While many people think all Easter lilies are white, cultivars produce flowers of various colors and plants of different heights. All of the following cultivars are variations of the species Lilium longiflorum.
- ‘White Heaven’ is a classic variety that produces seven-inch white flowers on plants that are two to three feet tall.
- ‘Deliana’ stands out with exquisite stems that are three to four feet long and blooms that range from bright yellow to pale green.
- ‘Elegant Lady’ comes from the Netherlands and is known for its fragrant pink flowers.
- ‘Nellie White’ has white flowers and the most common variety that is sold during the Easter season.
