Why Should I Deadhead Lilies?
Deadheading lilies is not something that gardeners do every day, but it should be done a few times during their blooming season to ensure they are spending their energy on producing flowers rather than seed pods.
Lilies are perennials that come in many colors and sizes including white, pink, red, orange, gold, yellow, and more. They also come in a variety of shapes including trumpet-shaped and lance-shaped.
They are easy to grow in the ground and require little maintenance once they are in place, but a good watering schedule is necessary for them to thrive. The plant will need to have full sun and a well-drained soil. They are also susceptible to insects and viruses, so keep a close eye on them for any sign of trouble.
When you see a lily that is showing signs of being spent, use a pair of hand pruners or garden shears to cut off the stem at the base. Be sure to disinfect the shears between cuts to prevent spread of diseases from infected plant parts to healthy ones.
Besides cleaning up the look of a plant, deadheading lilies is actually a good thing to do for several reasons. It cleans up the look of the plant and allows it to put its energy into growing foliage for next year instead of producing blooms or seed pods.
It can also help to prevent the growth of gray mold, which is a problem in wet areas in the spring or summer. Additionally, removing the faded flower stalks will allow for better air circulation and prevent disease from spreading.
A plant that has been deadheaded is not likely to grow new blooms, but lateral shoots may appear if there is room. The plant may also grow more leaves, which is important for photosynthesis, or energy production.
Some lily plants, such as the everblooming Stella D’Oro daylily, will begin to bloom in May and then keep on going until a hard frost. They are not as easy to deadhead as other flowers, such as roses, but you should still deadhead them a few times throughout their blooming cycle for the best results.
If you deadhead lilies, the bulbs will not have to spend their energy on producing seed pods, and they will be able to channel that energy into growing larger and stronger bulbs for future blooms.
Keeping dead flower heads off the plant and out of the way will also make it easier for the next round of blooms to develop since there is no need to waste time trying to pollinate the flowers again.
The process of deadheading lilies can be confusing and time consuming, so it is important to plan out your pruning schedule on a plant by plant basis. This will keep the garden looking tidy and ensure the lilies are growing in a healthy, balanced manner.
If you are unsure of whether or not your lily plant needs deadheading, ask a professional. He or she will know the correct technique for each plant.
