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Saving Your Easter lily

The blossoms on your Easter lily are starting to fade, you look at the plant and wonder “now what”. Here’s what you can do. After the last flower has withered, cut it off and keep the plant growing indoors until the weather warms up.

Lilies are great repeat preformers and can be planted in the garden after the danger of frost has passed. Place them in a 6-8” deep, well-drained sunny location and water immediately after planting. Lilies like their “feet in the shade and heads in the sun”, therefore mulch at least 2” deep. This will conserve moisture and keep the weeds away.

It is important to let the leaves and stems die back in order to replenish the nutrients and energy needed for next year’s growth. Once they turn brown, cut off the stems of the original plant and wait for the new growth to begin. It is unlikely that your lily will re-bloom this year but look for it in subsequent years to bloom in June-July.

Fertilize monthly, when the new shoots emerge until flowering with an 8-8-8 or use a slow release fertilizer in the spring. Apply the fertilizer 3 inches away from the stem and water.

Easter lilies grown in the cooler zones such as Northern Illinois are marginally hardy. It is recommended that they be planted 8” deep and heavily mulched over the winter, in case of a hard freeze. It’s worth the effort.

Bay laurel

Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis),Bay Tree, Sweet Bay has been grown as an ornamental plant since ancient times. It is an aromatic evergreen Mediterranean herb that has dark green, glossy, leaves, produces pale yellow flowers followed by black shiny berries (bacca-laureus). A slow-growing, frost tender perennial, Bay laurel makes an ideal trimmed potted plant that can grow up to 10 feet but most likely 5 feet in a container which should be brought indoors for the winter where it will remain green but dormant.

Bay laurel is grows best in fertile, light, loose soil, full sun to partial shade and moderate temperatures. Because it is susceptible to sunburn, grow it in dappled shade during the hot summer. Because bay laurel is slow and difficult to propagate, it is easier to purchase a potted plant from the garden center.

To root bay laurel take a 4 inch cutting of new growth and strip away all but the top 2 leaves, dip in rooting hormone and plant in a 1/2 sand 1/2 peat mix. Cover with clear plastic and place in a warm shady area. Cuttings can be taken 8 weeks after new spring growth and rooting can take up to 6 weeks. Late summer/early fall cuttings are slower to root and will take several months. It can also be started from seed in early spring.

The leaves of bay laurel can be dried whole or crushed and used in cooking. It can be harvested all year round but the best time to dry the leaves is in August when the leaves are most favorful. It is used as part of the classic bouquet garni which consists of bay leaf, thyme, marjoram, parsley and black peppercorn tied in a muslin bag. The oil is used for treating internal disorders, ear aches, rheumatism, ointments, soaps and perfumes even an insect repellant. The leaves are also used in garlands, funeral and memorial wreaths.

Laurus nobilis is not poisonous, whereas most other laurels are.
Troubleshooting

Bay laurel tends to get scale , small, brown, raised spots clustered on the undersides of leaves and along the stems. Clean the leaves in spring and fall with a cottom ball dipped in rubbing alcohol to control the pest. .

How to pick an Easter lily

Originating from the mountains of Taiwan, the potted Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum) symbol of hope and life is the traditional plant of the Easter season.

In order to select a high quality Easter lily there are some factors you must consider. Look for a plant with dense dark shiny green leaves along the entire stem of the plant. Avoid plants with yellowing leaves, it can be an indicator of a problem. Choose buds that are partially opened as well as a few unopened ones. The staggered blooming times will add to your continued enjoyment. Some people will actually count the number of buds on the plant and of course, choose the one with the most flower buds. Be wary of plants that look wilted, this may indicate root rot from too much water.

CARE
Once you bring your lily home, place it in indirect, bright, and light. They prefer temperatures of 60-65 degrees during the day and even cooler at night. Keep the soil moist and avoid over watering. Lilies do not like their feet wet therefore, when watering remove the decorative pot if necessary to allow the plant to drain any standing water.

As the buds open remove the yellow anthers before the pollen sheds, it will prolong the lifespan of the flower and keep the pollen off the white flowers. Cut away any withered flowers to maintain a fresh appearance.

Enjoy your Easter lily, its beauty and fragrance. When it’s finished blooming see the article on “Saving your Easter Lily