How to Care for Lilies in Spring – A Complete NZ Guide to Beautiful Summer Blooms
Spring is an exciting time for lily lovers across New Zealand!
After spending winter quietly beneath the soil, lilies are beginning to emerge, producing fresh green shoots that will eventually develop into some of the most spectacular flowers in the summer garden.
Whether you're growing colourful Asiatic lilies, beautifully scented Oriental lilies or compact patio varieties, what you do during spring can make a real difference to their growth and flowering.
Fortunately, lilies aren't particularly difficult to grow. With the right balance of sunlight, moisture, nutrition and a little protection from the elements, they can reward you with magnificent flowers year after year.
Here's our step-by-step guide to caring for lilies in New Zealand, from their first spring shoots right through to summer flowering and beyond!
Understanding Your Lilies' Growing Season
Before getting started, it's worth understanding how lilies grow.
Unlike annual flowers that complete their entire life cycle in one season, true lilies (Lilium) grow from perennial bulbs.
These bulbs store nutrients and energy underground, allowing the plants to emerge again each spring.
During their growing season, lilies move through several important stages:
Early spring: New shoots emerge and leaves begin developing.
Mid to late spring: Stems grow rapidly and flower buds start forming.
Late spring and summer: Flower buds develop and open into spectacular blooms.
Late summer and autumn: The leaves continue photosynthesising, helping replenish energy reserves in the bulb.
Winter: The plant becomes dormant, ready to begin the cycle again.
Flowering times vary depending on the variety, location and growing conditions.
Asiatic lilies generally flower earlier, while many Oriental varieties produce their large, fragrant flowers later in summer.
Understanding these stages makes it much easier to give your lilies the right care at the right time.
Step 1: Protect New Lily Shoots as They Emerge
One of the first signs of spring in a lily garden is the appearance of small, pointed shoots pushing through the soil.
These shoots might look delicate, but they're the beginning of what can become a surprisingly tall and impressive flowering plant!
However, this early stage is also when lilies can be vulnerable to damage.
Watch Out for Late Spring Frosts
Although established lily bulbs generally tolerate winter cold, newly emerging shoots can be damaged by frost.
This is particularly relevant for gardeners in Canterbury, Otago, Southland and colder inland regions, where late frosts can occur well into spring.
If a frost is forecast, consider temporarily protecting exposed new shoots with frost cloth.
Remove the covering once temperatures have improved, allowing the shoots to receive plenty of light.
Be Careful Around Emerging Bulbs
It's surprisingly easy to damage lilies while weeding or digging around garden beds.
Lily shoots are relatively brittle, and damage to the main growing point can seriously affect flowering that season.
Avoid cultivating deeply around established bulbs, and consider marking their positions during winter so you know exactly where they'll emerge.
Slugs and snails can also damage tender young growth, so inspect plants regularly as they emerge.
A little attention now can prevent disappointing problems later!
Step 2: Give Your Lilies the Right Amount of Sunlight
Lilies generally perform best in a sunny position with good air circulation.
Most varieties appreciate around six hours of direct sunlight each day, although many will also grow successfully in partial shade.
Too much shade can result in weaker stems, stretched growth and reduced flowering.
However, lilies also benefit from having relatively cool roots.
This is why they often perform beautifully when growing among lower-growing perennials that shade the soil while allowing the lily stems to reach the sunlight.
Keep the Soil Cool With Mulch
A layer of organic mulch around your lilies can provide several benefits:
Helps reduce moisture loss during warm weather.
Moderates soil temperatures as summer approaches.
Suppresses weeds competing for nutrients and moisture.
Gradually contributes organic matter as it decomposes.
Apply approximately 3–5 cm of suitable mulch, keeping it away from the stems to avoid trapping excessive moisture around the plant.
In exposed areas, shelter from strong winds can also make a significant difference, particularly for taller lily varieties.
Step 3: Water Your Lilies Properly During Spring
Watering is one of the most important parts of successful lily care.
Lilies enjoy consistent moisture while actively growing, but they dislike sitting in waterlogged soil.
Their bulbs are susceptible to rotting when drainage is poor, especially in heavy soils that remain wet for extended periods.
The goal is to maintain moist, well-drained soil rather than continually saturated conditions.
How Often Should You Water?
There isn't one watering schedule that works for every garden.
The amount of water your lilies need depends on rainfall, soil type, temperature, plant size and whether they're growing in pots or garden beds.
For lilies growing in the garden:
Check the soil beneath the surface before watering. Established plants in moisture-retentive soil may need little additional watering during wet spring weather.
When conditions become dry, water thoroughly so moisture reaches the root zone rather than applying small amounts every day.
For lilies growing in pots:
Containers generally dry out faster than garden beds.
Check the potting mix regularly and water thoroughly when the upper few centimetres begin to dry, allowing excess water to drain away.
Never leave lily pots sitting in saucers filled with water.
Avoid Wetting the Foliage Unnecessarily
Where practical, direct irrigation towards the soil rather than soaking the leaves and developing flowers.
Prolonged leaf wetness can encourage certain fungal diseases, especially when plants are crowded or air circulation is poor.
Morning watering is often a good choice, allowing any moisture on the foliage to dry as temperatures rise.
Step 4: Feed Your Lilies for Healthy Growth and Flowering
As lily shoots develop into leafy stems, their nutritional requirements increase.
Healthy growth requires a balanced supply of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
Each plays an important role:
Nitrogen (N): Supports leafy growth and the development of chlorophyll.
Phosphorus (P): Contributes to energy transfer, root function and normal plant development.
Potassium (K): Supports water regulation, plant metabolism and healthy flowering.
The key is providing enough nutrition without overdoing it.
Excessive fertiliser, particularly high-nitrogen feeding, can encourage soft growth and may create problems rather than improving flowering.
Start With Bulb Granular Fertiliser
Green Fingers Bulb Granular Fertiliser provides a longer-lasting nutritional foundation for bulbs.
With an NPK of 8-11-20, alongside calcium, magnesium and sulphur, it's formulated to support healthy bulb growth and flowering.
Its slow-release formulation provides nutrients for approximately three months.
Ideally, apply an appropriate bulb fertiliser when preparing the soil or as new growth begins.
If your lilies are already well established, carefully distribute the fertiliser around the growing area, avoiding direct contact with the stems and bulbs.
Follow the product's application instructions and water it in after application.
Support Active Growth With Lily Foliar Fertiliser
Once your lilies have developed a reasonable amount of healthy foliage, foliar feeding can provide supplementary nutrition during active growth.
Green Fingers Lily Foliar Fertiliser has been developed specifically for lilies.
With an NPK of 1.8-0.6-1.2, it provides a balanced nutrient profile designed to support healthy foliage, stems, bulb development and flowering.
Foliar fertiliser is absorbed through the leaves, making it a useful addition to an existing feeding programme.
For spring and summer foliar applications:
Mix 15 ml of Lily Foliar Fertiliser per litre of water.
Apply as a fine spray to the foliage, following the product label.
Repeat every 2–4 weeks during active growth, as required.
Apply during suitable cool conditions, avoiding strong midday sunshine and periods of heat stress.
Foliar feeding is intended to complement good soil nutrition rather than replace it.
There's no need to continually increase fertiliser applications simply because the plants are growing quickly.
Consistent, balanced feeding is much more beneficial.
Step 5: Support Tall Lilies Before Their Flower Buds Develop
Some lily varieties remain relatively compact, while others can grow well over a metre tall.
Oriental and trumpet lilies in particular may develop large flower heads that become surprisingly heavy once their buds begin opening.
Combine those heavy flowers with a strong New Zealand nor'wester, and unsupported stems can quickly run into trouble!
How to Stake Your Lilies
Ideally, supports should be installed when bulbs are planted, or while plants are still small.
This reduces the risk of damaging underground bulbs and roots later in the season.
For established lilies:
Choose a sturdy bamboo cane or suitable garden support.
Position it carefully beside the stem, avoiding the bulb where possible.
Secure the stem using soft garden ties.
Leave enough room for natural movement and continued growth.
Check and adjust the ties as the plant develops.
Avoid tying stems too tightly, as this can damage developing tissue.
Lilies growing in sheltered positions may not require staking at all, especially shorter Asiatic or patio varieties.
However, taller varieties are generally worth supporting before their flower buds become heavy.
Step 6: Protect Developing Lily Buds
Few things are more exciting than discovering the first flower buds appearing at the top of your lily stems!
After weeks of growth, your plants are finally preparing for their main display.
During this stage, maintaining steady moisture and healthy foliage becomes particularly important.
Keep an Eye Out for Pests
Aphids can sometimes gather around tender shoots and developing buds, feeding on plant sap and weakening growth.
Small infestations can often be dealt with by gently removing the insects or using a suitable stream of water without damaging the buds.
Regular inspection is important because pests are generally easier to control before populations increase.
Watch for Signs of Disease
Lilies can also experience fungal problems, particularly during periods of prolonged humidity and wet weather.
Brown spotting, soft tissue or deteriorating leaves may indicate disease, although symptoms can have several different causes.
Improve air circulation, avoid overcrowding and remove severely affected plant material where appropriate.
If a problem continues spreading, identify the cause before applying any treatment.
Don't Overfeed During Bud Development
It can be tempting to give lilies extra fertiliser when their first buds appear.
However, additional feeding won't automatically produce larger flowers.
Maintaining appropriate moisture, sufficient nutrients and healthy leaves is more important than applying increasingly concentrated fertiliser.
Let your lilies develop naturally while keeping their growing conditions as consistent as possible.
Step 7: Care for Your Lilies After Flowering
Once your lilies have finished flowering, it's tempting to tidy everything away.
But this is actually one of the most important stages in their growing cycle!
Although the flowers have finished, the leaves and stems are still working.
Through photosynthesis, the plant produces carbohydrates that help replenish its underground bulb, supporting next year's growth and flowering.
Remove Spent Flowers, Not Healthy Leaves
Once individual flowers fade, remove the spent blooms to prevent unnecessary seed development.
However, leave the green stems and foliage intact.
Continue maintaining appropriate moisture while the plant remains actively growing.
As summer progresses into autumn, the leaves will gradually begin turning yellow and dying back.
This is a normal part of the lily's seasonal cycle.
Only remove the stems once they've naturally browned and died.
Cutting lilies down while their foliage is still green can reduce the energy available for next year's flowers.
Do Lily Bulbs Need Lifting Every Year?
Generally, no!
Most garden lilies can remain in the same position for several years, provided the soil drains well and the plants remain healthy.
Over time, bulbs may multiply and form increasingly crowded clumps.
If flowering begins declining because the bulbs are overcrowded, they can be lifted and divided during dormancy.
For many established lily clumps, this may only be necessary every three to five years.
Growing Lilies in Pots? Here's What to Remember
Lilies are excellent container plants, particularly compact Asiatic and patio varieties.
They're ideal for patios, decks, balconies and smaller gardens where space is limited.
However, container-grown lilies need slightly different care from those growing in garden beds.
Choose a suitable pot: A container around 30 cm wide and deep is a useful starting point for a small grouping of compact lilies. Larger or taller varieties need more room and stability.
Use quality potting mix: Choose a free-draining growing medium and ensure the container has adequate drainage holes.
Monitor watering carefully: Pots can dry rapidly during warm weather, particularly when exposed to wind.
Maintain suitable feeding: Nutrients can become depleted or washed out of containers over time. Feed appropriately while the lilies are actively growing, taking existing fertiliser in the mix into account.
Protect taller plants: Heavy flower heads can make containers top-heavy, so position them somewhere sheltered or provide support.
And remember, just like lilies in the garden, container-grown lilies should be allowed to die back naturally after flowering.
Common Lily Growing Problems
Even experienced gardeners occasionally encounter problems with their lilies.
Here are a few common issues to watch for.
My Lily Leaves Are Turning Yellow
Yellowing leaves can have several causes, including poor drainage, nutrient deficiencies, root damage and natural seasonal ageing.
If leaves are yellowing while the plant should be actively growing, inspect soil moisture and overall plant health before assuming fertiliser is required.
If yellowing begins after flowering in late summer or autumn, it may simply be the plant entering dormancy.
My Lilies Are Growing Leaves but No Flowers
A lack of flowering may be associated with insufficient sunlight, immature or weakened bulbs, previous damage to shoots, or inadequate energy reserves.
Lilies that had their foliage removed too early the previous season may also have fewer reserves available for flowering.
Focus on improving growing conditions and allowing the plant to complete its natural seasonal cycle.
My Lily Buds Are Turning Brown or Failing to Open
Bud problems can result from water stress, temperature extremes, pest activity or disease.
Inspect the buds and surrounding foliage carefully rather than immediately reaching for fertiliser.
Correcting the underlying growing conditions is usually the best place to start.
My Lilies Keep Falling Over
Tall varieties may require support, particularly in windy areas.
Stems that become excessively elongated may also indicate that the plant isn't receiving enough light.
Provide suitable support now and consider a sunnier growing position when the bulbs are dormant.
An Important Reminder for Cat Owners
True lilies (Lilium), including Asiatic and Oriental lilies, are extremely toxic to cats.
All parts of the plant are dangerous, including the leaves, petals and pollen. Even water from a vase containing lilies can be hazardous.
For households with cats, the safest approach is to avoid growing lilies anywhere the animals may have access, including garden beds and indoor flower arrangements.
If you suspect a cat has been exposed to lilies, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Get Your Lilies Ready for a Spectacular Summer!
Whether you're growing a handful of lilies in patio pots or an entire garden bed filled with beautiful summer flowers, a little spring care can make all the difference.
Start by protecting emerging shoots, provide plenty of light, maintain consistent moisture and make sure your plants receive balanced nutrition throughout their growing season.
Green Fingers Bulb Granular Fertiliser and Lily Foliar Fertiliser can help support healthy growth and flowering as part of your regular garden-care programme.
And don't forget the most important step of all: after your lilies finish flowering, let those leaves continue doing their job!
With the right care, your bulbs can reward you with gorgeous blooms for many summers to come.
Happy growing from Green Fingers! 🌱
