How to Prune Asiatic Lilies

Asiatic lilies are beautiful flowers that embrace many bold colors. The Asiatic lily is one of the most popular varieties for its simplistic growing pattern, widely loved oranges, pinks and yellows, and fern-like stems that add a lush green statement even after the blooms are gone. Lilies can reach heights of six feet when allowed to grow in open areas with full sun. You can plant lilies in the spring or the fall, though it is best to split the bulbs in the fall after the blooming season has ended.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hand shears
• Sharp knife
• Gloves

1. Pop off the seedpod with your hands just after the bloom has opened. The lily will bloom vigorously after removing this underdeveloped pod.

2. Snap the browned, weakened flower from the stem with your hands near mid-summer. There is no need to mess with the stems themselves until late fall.

3. After the first frost in late October or early November, use the hand shears to cut back the stems to ground level. You may leave a two-inch shoot above ground, but no more is necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Dig up and split Asiatic lily bulbs every three years, after the plant has been cut back. Without splitting, the bulb grows abnormally and will produce smaller blooms and overly crowded shoots. Cover plants prior to the first frost with a four- to six-inch layer of mulch composed of wood chips, leaves and other items from the lawn.
• Always keep utensils sharp and clean. If a blade is dull, you risk the chance of slipping and cutting yourself. Wear protective gloves that shield your fingers from insect bites and the knife and hand shears.

References

• Lily Care
• Various Lilies
• Oriental and Asiatic lilies