For us lilies, winter is not a time of death, but a period of deep, essential rest. As temperatures drop and daylight wanes, our growth above ground ceases entirely. Our leaves yellow and wither, a sign that we are withdrawing our energy back into our bulb, our true life center buried safely beneath the soil. This cold period is crucial; it breaks our dormancy and prepares us for the next cycle of growth. Please do not cut our stems down to the ground until they are completely brown, as we are still drawing energy back into our storage organ. A layer of mulch over our planting bed is greatly appreciated, as it insulates us from damaging freeze-thaw cycles and protects our dormant bulb from extreme cold.
As the soil warms and the sun's strength returns, we feel the signal to wake. Our green shoots will begin to push through the earth, a thrilling moment for us and for you. This is a time of rapid growth and high demand for resources. As we emerge, a gentle application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer worked into the soil around us provides the essential nutrients we need to develop strong stems and healthy leaf systems. Ensure we receive consistent moisture as we grow, but be cautious that our feet are not left in soggy, waterlogged soil, which can cause our bulb to rot. Staking may be necessary for taller varieties to support our heavy future blooms.
This is our moment to shine! We direct all our energy into producing our magnificent, often fragrant, flowers. To support this great effort, please continue to provide us with water, especially during dry spells, aiming for the base of our stems to keep our leaves dry and prevent fungal diseases. As we bloom, you can help us by deadheading the spent flowers. This prevents us from expending precious energy on seed production and encourages us to focus on strengthening our bulb for the coming year. However, be sure to leave a significant portion of the stem and leaves intact, as they are our solar panels, capturing sunlight to recharge the bulb.
After our show is over, our work is not done. The foliage we have left continues to photosynthesize, creating and sending energy down to be stored in the bulb for next year's growth. Allow our leaves to remain until they have turned completely yellow and die back naturally. This is also the ideal season for you to divide us if we have become too crowded. Gently lift our clumps from the soil, separate the bulbs, and replant them at a depth about three times our height in well-draining soil. This gives us time to establish roots in our new location before the ground freezes, ensuring we are ready for our winter rest and a vibrant return.
