How do you care for stargazer lillies? are mine dead?
Question:My family bought me three stargazer lillies (in pots with buds) which I planted in full sunlight. the buds bloomed within 10 days or so of planting but since then the leaves have turned yellow and have completely fallen off of the plant - now all i have left are sticks coming out of the ground. Is this normal and will they come back next year? is there any other maintaince I should have done? Also if they do come back, can I cut them for a vase arrangement? where do i cut them at?
Answers:
Sounds like you may be ok. I am a huge fan of lillies and plant many different vaieties. many types will bloom and then the leaves will die back, but next year they will bloom like crazy. I would mark the spot where u planted them with a garden stake, and just wait for next year. My lillies usually start to emerge in mid to late April - I live in Zone 5. If they do survive til next year, let them bloom and then let the leaves soak up as much energy from the sun as possible to feed the bulbs for the following year. I dont cut mine back to ground level until after the first frost. I usually cut my stargazers right as the buds are opening...when they look like big fat split cigars. Good luck.
It's tough to say without actually seeing them, but I would guess that this is a water-related problem. Many times what happens is that when you water a plant, the water will kind of flood the plant at first and then a few minutes later, the plant will be thirsty, but will obviously not get water because it was already watered that day. The solution is very simple. Don't plant flowers or plants in pots in topsoil; use either good quality potting soil or worm castings a.k.a. vermicast. They are both loaded with nutrients, and more importantly, they time-release water and nutrients to the plants and flowers to make sure that they get what they need when they need it. You can try to get this stuff locally (wherever you happen to be) by calling 1-800-TOPSOIL or www.1800TOPSOIL.com to see if they have a local member servicing your area. These guys are somehow national, and I've used 'em in two states. They're fair and they deliver. Good luck!
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