The first leaves are changing color. Autumn is approaching with sure steps. But what will become of the lilies? Do they survive the winter without protection or do they have to be overwintered?

The tiger lily is considered to be hardy

Most lilies are hardy

Most commercially available lily species are hardy. They neither need protection in winter nor do they have to be forced into the house. But there are a few lily species that are considered sensitive and should be overwintered as a precaution and especially in cooler locations. These include, for example, the Alstroemeria and the Madonna lily.

Hardy lilies in this country

But which lilies are prepared for the winter in this country and do not necessarily need protection? Here are the most important lily species that are classified as hardy:

  • Asiatic Lily
  • Oriental Lily
  • Chinese mountain lily
  • trumpet lily
  • Nepal lily
  • Canada Lily
  • Toad Lily
  • Turk's cap lily
  • tree lily
  • tiger lily
  • tiger lily
  • royal lily
  • panther lily
  • rubrum lily

Winter wetness harms every lily

While most lilies don't shy away from frost, wet weather causes them distress. Above all, winter wetness damages these plants enormously. Therefore, lilies are best planted in soil with good drainage. In winter they are covered with brushwood to protect against moisture in the root area.

Precautions do not hurt: this is how lilies are overwintered

Especially if you put your lilies in a rough spot, it's wise to protect them. Lilies outdoors, such as in the garden bed, are overwintered as follows:

  • Cut off withered flowers or seed heads (steal strength)
  • Cut off leaves as soon as they have turned yellow to brown
  • Apply humus over the root area
  • lay brushwood or straw over the humus

Dig up and quarter the lily bulbs

It is even safer to dig up the lily bulbs and overwinter at home, in the basement, in the garage, in the attic or in the garden shed. To do this, the first step is to cut down the bud sites and wait for the leaves to turn yellow.

Next, the bulbs are dug up and freed from remaining soil. After the onions have been air-dried for 2 days, place them in a wooden box or pot with soil, sand, or sawdust.

Overwinter lilies from the balcony

Potted lilies should be cut down in the fall and placed indoors. This is important so that the soil in the pot does not freeze. This would destroy the onions. Alternatively, the pot can be left outside, placed against a protective wall, on a block of wood, and wrapped in foil.

tips and tricks

In order for the lilies to survive the winter well, they should not be heavily fertilized after July. At best, a subtle application of fertilizer can be done in August to supply the onions with nutrients for the coming year.

Category:

Vegetable garden