Will Easter Lily Survive in the Garden?

I received a beautiful lily for Easter.  Can I plant it out in my garden?  Will it survive our cold zone 5 winters?

I am often asked this question and it always makes me think of my grandmother in southern Ohio who had a garden of Easter lilies.  She found it a great way to save the Easter lilies her many children and grandchildren gave her over the years.  Easter lilies are borderline hardy in your area but I think it is worth the risk and I know quite a few gardeners who have succeeded even in zone 4.  For now, care for your Easter lily like other houseplants.  Remove the faded flowers and any seed pods that may be developing.  Fertilize with a dilute solution of any flowering houseplant fertilizer.  Water the soil thoroughly and often enough to keep it moist but not wet.  Move the plant outdoors to a sunny well drained location after the danger of frost has passed.  Plant the bulb six inches deep in a sheltered location.  With a bit of luck and cooperation from nature you should have a beautiful lily blooming in your garden next July.

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