Walking into church Easter morning, the air is rich with the powerful scent of Easter lilies. But not just any lily, the prolific white lily, popularly known as the Easter lily. Its symbolic association with Christianity stems fromBiblical references, but its association with Easter is evident in the shelves of blooming white lilies in grocery stores, nurseries, and even general stores.
Easter lilies are a sure sign of spring, for both Christians and non-Christians alike. Or, at least, it’s a sign that bears the hope of warmer temperatures to come. The Easter lily’s popularity is due to itsprolific flower——长长的、管状的、纯净的白色花朵,开放时像喇叭,朝向前方而不是向上。
Every single plant has a significant number of flowers, and each blossom omits a very fragrant aroma. The flowers appear at the top of a tall (some as tall as 3 feet), cylindrical stem adorned with multiple long, oval, draping leaves. The plant, like all lilies, grows from a bulb.
Lilium longiflorumis native to theRyukyu Islands of Japan, although a very closely relatedLilium formosanais found inTaiwanand has been associated with the Easter lily.
Tips For Choosing A Quality Easter Lily
Whilst northern climates enjoy Easter lilies in pots, the natural habitat is warmer with slightly cool soil. Easter lilies purchased for the season are forced plants. In order to get the most out of your plant, choose your potted plant wisely.
- Don’t choose one in full bloom, as its immediate glory will be short-lived.
- Choose a plant with buds ready to burst, from a tight bulb to a partially opened flower.
- Choose one with dense foliage and leaves that look evenly green and healthy right down to the soil.
- Look for insects (eggs, webbing, bugs, chewed leaves).
- Check for disease (dark spots on the leaves, crinkled leaves, wilted leaves).
- Choose a plant that is twice as tall as the plot but not outgrowing the pot.
Caring For Easter Lilies
Taking care of the potted Easter lily at home is just as important as caring for the plants outdoors. Remember, too, if you’re a pet lover, all lilies areextremely toxicto cats and can cause kidney failure. Here are some good points for a healthy, prolific Easter lily:
- Easter lilies need a bright, indirect sunny location.
- 没有穿堂风,冷热源都没有。
- A preferred temperature for lilies is 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and only slightly cooler at night.
- Don’t overwater. Only water lilies when the soil becomes dry to the touch. That being said, don’t leave it dry for too long.
- Remove the yellow centers, the antlers, to prolong the blossoms and prevent the pollen from staining everything in its vicinity. It also helps allergy sufferers endure the presence of Easter lilies in their domain.
- Remove the decorative foil around the pot as this allows for too much water accumulation in the pot.
- Easter lilies suffer from both too much and too little water.
- Remove flowers once they fade and wither.
Let Them Bloom Again!
Easter lilies are not dead when the last flower falls. The bulb root is still very much alive, and with proper care, the plant may very well bloom again. Once the flowers have all died and fallen from the plant, clip the stem close to the base. Place in a cool, dark space and allow to dry out completely.
After several months, return the pot to a lighted space and start watering. Though it may take some time, the plant will sprout again and new flowers will appear. Alternately, try planting the now expired plant outdoors to enjoy the next season with a healthy bloom of white lilies.
There’s nothing stopping you from planting the lily outdoors once the risk of frost is past and the ground is warming up. Squirrels and chipmunks love to eat the bulb root. Consequently, a row of up-ended plastic forks surrounding the plant will protect it while it takes root. The plants don’t always survive the harshness of winter, but I’ve had Easter lilies bloom outdoors for several years in a row. Some other tips:
Tips For Another Season Of Easter Lilies
- Remove all the dead flowers and cut the stem at the soil line.
- 在霜冻的风险过去之后,继续浇水,直到可以安全地在室外种植为止。
- 在花园里选择一个阳光充足、土壤排水良好的地方。
- Soil pH should beneutral. To maintain neutral soil, consider adding organic matter.
- Plant the Easter lily bulb to the same depth as you would if it was in a pot.
- Add organic mulch around the roots but not against the stem as this will cause rot.
- Add more mulch just before winter to protect the plant, but remove the mulch as the weather warms in the spring.
- Add more mulch or blood meal as soon as growth appears.
Be patient. Don’t expect much the first year outdoors. Sometimes it takes several years before the Easter lily blooms again. However, the rewards are worth the patience.
SaholaFlowerssays
我有时会在我的作品中使用百合——它们很漂亮,不那么情绪化。遗憾的是,现在由于世界形势的原因,他们不太容易找到。没关系,让我们乐观一点吧!
Emily-Jane Hills Orfordsays
Thank you for your comment. I was disappointed this year as the stores here weren’t stocking Easter Lilies. Fortunately, I still have mine from previous years. You’re right, we must continued to be optimistic.