When is the best time to plant Trumpet Lily Bulbs?
Trumpet lilies have similar planting requirements to other lilies, and can be planted in spring or fall. In the spring, be sure to plant trumpet lilies after any threat of frost has passed-get familiar with your final frost date, as many types of perennials and annuals go into the ground after that date passes. Trumpet Lilies are hardy after they become established, and will come back year after year.
What soil and water requirements do Trumpet Lilies need?
When it comes to planting trumpet lilies, soil and water needs are fairly simple. Trumpet lilies need well-draining soil that isn't too acidic or too alkaline. Lilies tend to like regular watering, but they won't thrive in an area with poor drainage, so be sure to choose a spot where water doesn't pool.
Before planting, aerate the soil with a hoe or shovel, and break up any sandy or rocky areas. If your soil quality is poor, add in some compost or loam to improve its nutrients and drainage. Gritty material like peat moss can help keep water from pooling, too, and is a nice option for gardeners working in clay-heavy sites.
Trumpet Lily plants tend to grow during the rainy spring season, so you won't need to worry about watering unless you come upon a dry spell. If so, you should give your Trumpet Lilies a nice, drenching soak every few days throughout the spring and summer. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Another method for making sure your lilies have enough moisture? Mulch! Covering the soil with a two-inch layer of mulch or wood shavings is an excellent option for retaining water, and mulching will help to prevent weeds from sprouting.
What kind of winter care do Trumpet Lilies need?
Most Trumpet Lilies are hardy in zones 3 and higher, meaning that they will come back year after year in zones warmer than the very northernmost regions. A bit of winter care can ensure that they'll come back healthy and beautiful each year!
Allow your lilies to keep their foliage even after flowering. Many Trumpet lilies have multiple blooming times per year, and you don't want to miss out! Plus, lilies need to hold on to their leaves to gather energy for the next season. After your lilies begin to die back in fall, go ahead and cut down their stalks. Lilies can be cut back to the ground, and will regrow their stalks completely each year.
In cold northern climates, lilies will benefit from a fall application of mulch. After trimming back the stalks, cover your lily plants with a few inches of mulch to ensure insulation. Adding a little more coverage over winter will keep frost from reaching your lilies' roots.
How long does a Trumpet Lily bloom last?
Lilies are well-known for their long-lasting blooms, which stay beautiful for days on the plant or in cut arrangements. A trumpet lily stalk usually has 12-15 blooms per stalk and will bloom for 2 to 3 weeks. Each flower can maintain its beautiful color and shape for up to two weeks, and many trumpet lilies last gorgeously in the vase, too!
