Torch lilies are native to southern and eastern Africa. Most varieties are therefore not hardy. This is how you overwinter your torch lilies properly.
Provide winter protection outdoors
Choose a sheltered location. In the fall, tie the torch lily leaves together at the top to protect the center of the plant from moisture.
Cover the perennial with a layer of foliage to protect it from frost.
Torch lily varieties that you don't know if they are hardy should be grown in pots and overwintered indoors.
Choose hardy torch lily varieties
There are now some breeds that are hardy and only need light winter protection:
- “Alcazar” - fiery red flowers, very tall
- “Autumn Glow” - bicolor with orange lower and yellow upper flowers
- “Canary” - bright yellow flowers
- “Royal Standard” - bicolor, light yellow flowers below and fiery red flowers above
tips and tricks
Torch lilies are also called "rocket flowers" because of their striking flower shape. The botanical name is Kniphofia.