Growing Surprise Lily
Is there a secret to growing surprise lilies? The leaves appear in spring, but there’s no surprise when it’s time for the bloom to appear.
My surprise lilies also have a mind of their own. They tend to bloom every other year or so. These bulbs are hardy in zone 5 (sometimes 4) through 9 and thrive in full sun to light shade and clay or sandy soil. Keep the soil somewhat dry when the bulbs are dormant. As soil moisture increases and temperatures cool the flower stems should appear. Try fertilizing in spring with a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer as the foliage emerges to give them an extra bit of energy that should encourage a fall display.
Related
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI
Register now
April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI
May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now
May 4, 2024
Garden U 2024
New Richmond, WI
Register now
May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now
May 11, 2024
Ask The Plant Doctor Q & A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI
May 12, 2024
Ask The Plant Doctor Q & A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI
May 18, 2024
Ask The Plant Doctor Q & A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI
June 1, 2024
Selecting, Planting, Pruning and Caring for Hydrangeas
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI
June 5, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Under-Appreciated Pollinators
Register now
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More