How To Care For Surprise Lilies: A Comprehensive Guide

curving back August 2013 from curvingback.blogspot.com

If you're looking for a low-maintenance plant that can add a pop of color to your garden, surprise lilies are a great option. These hardy perennials are known for their ability to thrive in a variety of climates and soil types, making them a popular choice for gardeners of all skill levels. In this article, we'll take a closer look at how to care for surprise lilies, including tips for planting, watering, and fertilizing.

Planting Surprise Lilies

Surprise lilies are typically planted in the fall, when temperatures start to cool down and the soil is moist. When selecting a location for your surprise lilies, it's important to choose an area that gets plenty of sunlight, as these plants require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. You'll also want to make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent water from pooling around the bulbs, which can cause them to rot. To plant your surprise lilies, dig a hole that's about twice as deep as the bulbs and three times as wide. Place the bulbs in the hole with the pointed end facing up, then cover them with soil and water thoroughly. It's a good idea to mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and keep the soil cool.

Watering and Fertilizing Surprise Lilies

Once your surprise lilies are planted, it's important to water them regularly to ensure they get the moisture they need to thrive. During the growing season, you'll want to water your lilies about once a week, taking care not to overwater them. If the soil feels dry to the touch, it's time to water your plants. Fertilizing your surprise lilies can also help promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms. You can use a general-purpose fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 blend, applied at half strength every four to six weeks during the growing season. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for best results.

Additional Tips for Caring for Surprise Lilies

In addition to planting, watering, and fertilizing your surprise lilies, there are a few other things you can do to help them thrive. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Deadheading:

After your surprise lilies have finished blooming, it's a good idea to remove the spent flowers to prevent the plants from putting energy into producing seeds.

2. Dividing:

Surprise lilies can become crowded over time, which can lead to decreased blooms and stunted growth. To prevent this, you can divide your plants every three to four years, separating the bulbs and replanting them in new locations.

3. Winter Care:

Surprise lilies are hardy plants that can survive harsh winter conditions, but it's still a good idea to mulch around the base of the plants to protect the bulbs from freezing temperatures.

4. Pests and Diseases:

While surprise lilies are generally resistant to pests and diseases, they can sometimes be affected by aphids, spider mites, or fungal infections. If you notice any issues with your plants, treat them promptly with an appropriate insecticide or fungicide. In conclusion, surprise lilies are a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to any garden. By following these tips for planting, watering, fertilizing, and caring for your plants, you can enjoy vibrant blooms year after year.

Planting	Choose a sunny, well-draining location and plant bulbs in the fall.
Watering and Fertilizing	Water regularly and fertilize with a general-purpose fertilizer every four to six weeks.
Additional Tips	Deadhead spent flowers, divide plants every three to four years, mulch in winter, and treat pests and diseases promptly.

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