Lilies From Neighbor In June..

Question

I read regular lilies should be divided & re-planted in Fall. I got lilies from a neighbor this weekend – June 10. I planted & watered them immediately. Do you think they will live? I live in Zone 6. Also, should I cut them down/back as I did with the lilies I planted last year in Fall, even though these were divided & re-planted in the wrong season? Thanks. Lynn

Answer 1

You did the right thing by planting them right away. However, if they are true lilies, like oriental lilies or Asiatic lilies, the foliage was up and buds may have even been apparent. If so, you may lose the buds and flowering for this year. If the buds had not formed yet, you still may get flowers later. If they don't bloom this year because of the transplant, they should next year.

They are hardy in your zone 6 and don't need to be dug up in the fall, unless they are overcrowded and need to be divided. Do not cut back the foliage till it has yellowed, though you can deadhead the blossoms.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/lily/planting-asiatic-lilies.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/lily/oriental-lily-plant-care.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/lily/deadheading-lily-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/lily/varieties-lilies.htm

https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lilium/