Begin your evaluation with the plant's overall stature. A healthy lily should be upright and self-supporting, not leaning excessively or requiring staking at the point of sale. The stem should be robust, firm, and green along its entire length, showing no signs of mushiness, cracks, or dark, sunken lesions. Avoid plants that appear leggy, spindly, or stretched, as this indicates insufficient light during growth, which can lead to weak plants that struggle after transplanting. The foliage distribution should be even and abundant from the base upwards.
The leaves are the primary engines of the plant, and their condition is a direct indicator of health. Look for lush, plentiful leaves that are a vibrant, uniform green color. Be meticulous in checking both the tops and undersides of leaves for pests such as aphids (small, soft-bodied insects) or red lily leaf beetles (bright red beetles) and their larvae, which look like brownish slime. Crucially, reject any plant with leaves that exhibit yellowing, brown spots, black streaks, or a wilted appearance. These symptoms can signal fungal diseases like botrytis (gray mold) or viral infections, which are highly contagious and can devastate your entire garden.
For lilies, the buds are a key feature. Ideally, select a plant with several plump, well-formed, yet unopened buds. This ensures you will enjoy a longer display of flowers in your garden after planting. A mix of tight and slightly swelling buds is perfect. Be wary of plants where all the flowers are already fully open, as their transplant shock may be greater, and their floral display will be shorter. Gently check that the buds are firm and attached securely to the stem. Avoid plants with buds that are shriveled, brown, dropping off, or showing signs of rot.
If possible, gently slide the plant from its pot to inspect the root system, a critical step often overlooked. Healthy lily roots should be firm, fleshy, and white or light tan in color. They should be plentiful and visible around the outer edge of the soil ball. A strong, well-developed root system is essential for successful establishment in your garden. Absolutely avoid any plant with soft, brown, mushy, or slimy roots—this is a clear sign of root rot, often caused by overwatering. Conversely, if the pot is a solid mass of tightly coiled roots (severely pot-bound), the plant may be stressed and could struggle to grow after being planted.
Conduct a final, thorough scan for any other indicators of poor health. Look closely at the base of the stem and the soil surface for signs of fungal growth, such as white, fuzzy mold. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged or bone dry, both of which are signs of improper care and can induce significant stress. Ensure there is no foul odor emanating from the soil or pot, which is another red flag for root rot. Choosing a plant free from these stressors gives it the best possible start in its new home.
