They are exotic, colorful and multi-faceted, the lilies. Whether in the garden or in a pot in the living room - in order to maintain the flowering power of the lilies year after year, they should be pruned regularly. But when and how do you have to cut them?
Lilies can be cut while in bloom and kept in a vase as a cut flower
Cut for the vase cut
Lilies can safely be pruned during their flowering period, which can usually be admired between late May and mid-June. This cut is aimed at preserving the flowers for the vase. If the flowers are to last long in the vase, only the leaves at the end of the stem should be removed. Remaining leaves remain attached.
The flowers can also be cut off just before they open. But not too soon! When the buds are plump and thick, they are about to open. Then the right time has come for a vase cut. However, keep in mind that many lilies in the home give off a strong scent that not everyone likes.
Prune after flowering
Furthermore, lilies should be cut after their flowering period. Only use sharp and clean tools such as pruning shears or a knife for the cut. Unsharp and dirty cutting tools can increase the risk of disease.
When the flowering period is over, you can tell by the withered flowers. Cut these away! But not too much of a good thing: Only the inflorescences should be cut off. The stems remain on the plant.
If you want to harvest the seeds, wait until they have formed. You can then cut off the seed heads and remove the seeds for sowing. Remember that it takes a lot of energy to form seeds in a lily.
Pruning in preparation for overwintering
Last year, a cut should follow in the fall. It serves to prepare the lily for winter. She can be dug up and quartered after this cut.
Things to note about this cut:
- cut back both garden and potted lilies
- Leaves and stems should be yellow to brown in color
- Cut the leaves and stems down to the ground
- for professionals: pull dried plant parts out of the ground
- then equip lily for the winter time, for example in the form of brushwood above the root area
- Complete hibernation in March
tips and tricks
The pruning of lilies is generally not absolutely necessary. It is sufficient to pull the dried plant parts out of the ground in autumn.