The above-ground parts of lilies retreat over the winter. The underground bulb survives the winter in the ground to sprout again in the spring. Should you protect them from ice and snow?
How can I protect my lilies in winter?
To effectively protect lilies in winter, cover them in the bed with fir branches, brushwood, straw or mulch. Delicate onion species can be dug up and stored in dry soil or sand. Potted lilies should overwinter in a cool place (5-15 °C).
Why should lilies be overwintered?
Not all types of lilies are hardy. In harsh locations, sensitive lilies such as callas should be protected in the winter. Otherwise the onions could be damaged.
Protecting lilies in the bed from frost
Precautions should be taken when planting. Place your lily in a protected spot. In winter you can protect yourself in the following ways:
- cover with fir trees (€16.00 on Amazon), brushwood, straw or mulch
- Apply a layer of humus over the root area
- Dig up and overwinter onions of sensitive species/varieties
Overwintering onions indoors
After the bulbs have been carefully and generously dug up, they should be freed from soil. Now, for example, they can be overwintered in dry soil or sand in the basement, shed, garage or attic. But be careful: all leaves and stems should be removed beforehand. Otherwise there is a risk of mold.
Overwintering lilies in pots
Lilies in pots should ideally be brought inside. In the house they are placed in a cool place (5 to 15 °C). The soil should dry out and all above-ground plant parts are removed.
Preparing for wintering
- in the pot: place protected from the rain
- Cut off seeds or wilted flowers
- don’t fertilize too late
- remove wilted leaves (not beforehand, as onions draw strength from them)
- if applicable share beforehand
Tips & Tricks
Most lilies can tolerate cold. But if this is combined with wet conditions, you should be on alert. Wetness means the imminent end of lilies.
