The Most Suitable Climate for Lilies
Many gardeners wonder, can lilies survive frost? Lilies can survive in varying climate conditions as long as they are not too extreme. This plant will thrive in a sunny and moist environment.
Varieties of lilies bloom wonderfully either in warm summers or cool winters. Unfortunately, the tropical climate is not an ideal place for lilies.
It needs to be placed below 65 degrees Fahrenheit for around two months. This period marks lilies’ dormancy. During this cold season, the lilies gather the energy and nutrients necessary to bloom in the next season.
However, even a slight frost can damage the lilies. Thus, you are recommended to start planting when the threat of frost has already passed. Nonetheless, some adjustments can still be made if necessary.
Hardy Lilies for the Winter Season
If you are still asking, “can lilies survive frost” most of the varieties may survive cold with overwintering. They are very hardy and can handle temperatures up to -30 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, some varieties are more resilient than others. The first recommendation is the Canadian lilies. As a North American native, this lily variety is known for its hardiness against the cold.
Turk’s cap lily is the second variety with a higher chance of safely surviving the frost. Like Canadian lily, it can tolerate shade up to a certain degree.
People also love adding Turk’s cap in their garden because it is a renowned pollinator. You will also get a long-term bloom that lasts from spring to fall.
What Will Happen If Lily Experiences Frost?
Lilies do not react to direct exposure to extreme frost well. If you accidentally expose the buds to freezing temperatures, you may not be able to see the plant bloom ever again.
You will see the tips of its leaves burning. This condition will resolve itself later in the spring season, especially with the help of pruning.
However, if you let lilies experience frost for a prolonged time, the buds will start freezing. In this case, it will be difficult for the lilies to recover when the weather is warmer.
Not to mention that the lilies are also prone to rotting, especially without protection on their base.
Overwintering Your Lilies During Winter Season
Since lilies are commonly planted during the fall season with an expectation to bloom the following year, the knowledge of overwintering is important.
Gardeners are suggested to keep a thick layer of organic mulch in their garden beds. The recommended kind of mulch consists of chopped barks or leaves. It will maintain the warmth of the soil.
If you suspect winter will be colder that season, you can add a cover for the plant. The recommended coverage is a blanket and sheet.
If it is too cold, lilies that clump together can be covered with a bucket or bowl to protect them from freezing. However, the cover must be regularly removed during the day to prevent overheating.
Watering the Lilies in the Winter Season
Lilies thrive in a moist environment. Thus, many ask, “can lilies survive frost?” because they need to receive enough water throughout the year.
In the winter, the lily enters its dormant period. At this time, the water provision should be diminished gradually. The water supply should be cut altogether in the later part of winter.
Watering lilies for the winter season should be done before the winter starts. At that time, the gardener must ensure that the water thoroughly soaks the soil to keep it moist throughout the season.
This action also helps winter-proof the plant because moist soil stays warmer than drained soil.
Planting the Lilies Indoor During the Winter
Some people consider planting lilies indoors during the cold season. It is the safest way to ensure the plant will be protected against frost, especially if the cold is predicted to be severe.
However, this plant’s characteristics must be considered before moving it to an indoor space.
Moving the lilies into pots first before placing them indoors is better. The indoor space should also have good air circulation because lilies require good ventilation even in their dormant period.
You should also ensure sunlight can enter the space because the lilies need it.
Taking Care of Lilies After Frosting
What if the lilies have already experienced the frost? How can lilies survive frost? In this case, you must perform a quick action. First and foremost, removing the dead leaves is pivotal to ensuring the survival of your valuable lilies.
It must be done as soon as you see the dead leaves to prevent the condition from spreading.
You must observe the plant over the next few days to ensure your resuscitation effort is successful. You will see green buds near the crown if the effort is successful. The crown is the fleshy base of the lilies.