FLIMBY Extra: Make Easter lilies last for years to come

Easter lilies (Lilium longiflorum) – at least, the lily species we associate with the holiday – are native to Japan’s Ryukyu Islands and Taiwan, where they bloom in early summer. According to lore, an enterprising Philadelphia florist named William Harris popularized this lily in the 1880s as the perfect Easter gift plant. The bulbs were originally imported from Japan or grown in Bermuda and shipped north. Florists “forced” the bulbs to bloom months early (in time for Easter) by growing them indoors or in greenhouses.

As symbols of purity and rebirth, white lilies have been associated with Easter and Christ’s resurrection for centuries. Their shape looks like angel trumpets.

During World War II when all trade with Japan halted, America’s Easter lily industry found a new home: Coastal communities near the California-Oregon border. That micro-climate had the perfect growing condition for farming these bulbs. James White, one of those wartime bulb farmers, created the ‘Nellie White’ Easter lily, named for his wife; it’s still the most popular variety.

Most of the nation’s Easter lily bulbs hail from family farms in this very specialized ag area. The bulbs are grown outdoors in fields for at least two to three years before distribution to commercial greenhouses throughout North America. They’re potted up in December with an eye for a two-week marketing window before the Easter holiday, which can fall anywhere between March 25 and April 25.

Indoors, these potted and forced lilies will bloom for about two weeks. Put them in a bright sunny spot, out of drafts or forced heat. Water just enough to keep soil evenly moist.

After the flowers are spent, move the plant outdoors. Continue to water until the foliage yellows and fades.

The bulb can then be transplanted into the ground. (Trim off the spent foliage before planting.) They do best in a sunny spot with good drainage. (Of course, they’ll grow well in a pot, too.) If left undisturbed, they’ll slowly multiply. Surrounding the mother bulb, little bulblets can be dug up and replanted; they’ll take two to three years before they flower.

A couple of caveats: Keep these flowers away from cats. Easter lilies are highly toxic to felines. Every part of the plant (including the flowers and pollen) are poisonous to cats; if they eat any portion or rub their face in the fragrant flowers, they may need immediate veterinary care.

However, dogs and humans are resistant to this lily toxicity. (They may get a tummy ache, but nothing like the feline reaction.)

One animal LOVES munching Easter lilies: Deer. (They especially like the unopened buds.)

As for my Easter lilies, I’ll enjoy them during this warm and early spring, and look forward to seeing them again next year – most likely around Memorial Day.