Torch lilies are native to southern and eastern Africa. Most varieties are therefore not winter hardy. This is how you properly overwinter your torch lilies.
How do I overwinter torch lilies correctly?
In order to overwinter torch lilies properly, you should tie the leaves of hardy varieties outdoors and cover the plant with leaves. Varieties that are not hardy should overwinter in a pot indoors.
Provide winter protection outdoors
Choose a protected location. In the fall, tie the leaves of the torch lily together at the top to protect the center of the plant from moisture.
Cover the perennial with a layer of leaves to protect it from frost.
Torch lily varieties that you do not know whether they are hardy should be grown in a pot and overwintered indoors.
Choose hardy torch lily varieties
There are now some varieties that are hardy and only require light winter protection:
- “Alcazar” – fiery red flowers, very tall
- “Autumn glow” – bicolor with orange lower and yellow upper flowers
- “Canary” – bright yellow flowers
- “Royal Standard” – two-tone, light yellow flowers below and fiery red flowers above
Tips & Tricks
Torch lilies are also called “rocket flowers” because of their striking flower shape. The botanical name is Kniphofia.
