A Guide to Easter Lily Care

Do you have a hard time keeping your lilies blooming? Well, we are here to help you develop a green thumb! Whether you are interested in gifting or have just received an Easter Lily, we have some pro tips to make those flowers blossom.

Easter Lilies are white, trumpet-shaped flowers that have become increasingly popular for their attractive blooms and wonderful fragrance. Native to the southern islands of Japan, 95 percent of Easter Lilies now come from an area along the border of California and Oregon. They can grow up to three feet tall and blossom from April to June, which makes them perfect for the Easter holiday.

How to care for your potted Easter Lily

If you just picked up a potted Easter Lily to brighten up your home for spring, follow the steps below for how to care for your potted Easter Lily.

Step 1: Unwrap your plant immediately once you get home. The decorative packaging they often come in can waterlog the plant causing the roots to rot or deteriorate.

Step 2: Remove the anthers. The anthers are the tall stems that grow from the center of the bloom. Removal can prolong the life of the flower and prevent pollen from staining the pristine white petals.

Step 3: Find a bright spot for it to grow. Avoid any areas of your home with too much direct sunlight as this is sure to shorten their lifespan.

Step 4: Keep it cool. Be sure your plant is protected from any heat sources or vents and try to keep your home between 60°F and 68°F.

Step 5: Water when the soil is dry to touch. Avoid over-watering or letting it sit in water but do not let it stay dry for a prolonged period of time either.

Step 6: Remove any fading flowers. Pruning any withering petals will help promote new growth.

Once your lily has survived the colder days of spring, you can plant it outside and enjoy it throughout summer as well! We also have a brief guide below that outlines how to plant your potted Easter Lily.

Planting your Easter Lily outside

Wait until flowers have finished blooming: To successfully transplant a lily to your garden, wait until all flowers have faded and all danger of frost has passed.

Prune your plant: Be sure to remove any dead or dying blooms. Once you have pruned all blossoms, select an area with bright, indirect light.

Plant the bulb: Plant the bulb to the same depth it was in the pot and then add a few inches of mulch around the roots. Avoid placing much near the stem because it could cause rotting.

Water well while the plant is blooming and continue to prune: Once the original leaves start to brown, trim back to the green leaves. You will begin to see new growth soon! Be sure to water thoroughly at the beginning and during periods of growth.

Be patient and fertilize ahead of the colder months: For some plants, you may have to wait until the next summer to see a second bloom. Cut the stem when it begins to turn brown in the fall and apply a generous amount of mulch to insulate the roots through winter.

The Meaning Behind Easter Lilies

Easter Lilies and Christianity

Easter Lilies are linked to Christianity as a symbol of the resurrection of Christ. They are also referenced in the Bible. In the book of Luke, Jesus himself says, “Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” This tradition is carried on in Christian churches around Easter when they adorn their altars with crosses and beautiful white lilies.

Easter Lilies and Paganism

Easter Lilies are also often linked to motherhood, which is why they’re a great Mother’s Day gift to show your mom how much you appreciate her. They are said to have sprung from the mother’s milk that fell from Hera, the goddess of women and marriage according to Greek mythology.

Across religions, these lovely white flowers symbolize purity and grace.

Now that you are versed in the care, repotting and even history of Easter lilies you need to find one to display as your Easter centerpiece. If you need a handy reminder, print or save this quick guide with basic Easter Lily care tips.