Care of Tiger Lily Flowers

Fertilize once a month from when shoots appear in spring until the tiger lilies die back in fall. Apply 5-10-10 analysis fertilizer at the rate of approximately 1 tbsp. per plant.

Water lilies often enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Provide approximately 1 inch of water in a single weekly watering except during hot, dry periods when additional watering may be necessary.

Apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch, such as bark, around the tiger lily plants. Mulching preserves soil moisture and keeps the lily roots cool.

Inspect plants regularly for aphid infestation. Check the underside of the leaves and along the stems for the small green, yellow or brown insects. Treat with an insecticidal soap if they are detected, as aphids spread disease.

Pinch off spent blooms as soon as they begin wilting. This encourages further blooming and prevents diseases from breeding on the dead flowers.

Divide lilies in fall if the plants are 4 to 5 year old and if they are flowering as profusely. Dig up the bulbs and separate them, saving only the healthy bulbs. Immediately replant the bulbs 4 inches deep and space them 6 to 10 inches apart in clusters.

Cut off all the dead stems and remove the old plant matter once the tiger lilies die back in late autumn. Apply a 4-inch layer of straw mulch over the lily beds after removing the dead plants, as the straw mulch prevents winter damage to the bulbs.