New to Asiatic lilies, what do I do now???

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Kizmo Marietta, OH(Zone 6a) Jun 14, 2011

Hi everyone! I planted Carpet Lilies (that's what they were called in the catalogue) last summer, but they didn't come up until this Spring. Now that they have bloomed, what do I do with them? I've trimmed off the spent blooms, so all that's left is a 18" stalk with leaves along the front walk... Looks sort of goofy. My Dad in law ordered more for Fall planting, so I'll have to enlarge the planting area. The description said they were like 9-12", but they were much taller than that. I only had one that is about 3" tall, and deformed, no buds. I was hoping they were shorter to line the brick walkway, but since they're so tall, I'll have to landscape it or something.
Do I just leave the leafy stalks the rest of the summer? This is my first experience with this type, I only have daylilies along the house..
Thanks for any advice!

Kiz

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Post #8630290
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themoonhowl Prairieville, LA(Zone 9a) Jun 14, 2011

Yup Kiz....you can remove the spent bloom spike, but now your bulbs are storing energy for the next year. When the leaves turn yellow and start to wither, you can cut them off at ground level and they will return in the spring. Here is a bit more info for you

http://www.pwk.resteddoginn.ca/care.php

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cathy166 Stamford, CT(Zone 6b) Jun 14, 2011

Asiatics are the early bloomers. The oriental lilies follow. Their bloom season is a couple of weeks. As spent stalks go, they are not so unattractive. Most perennials only bloom for a short season, but do so reliably. You can always plant hostas in front or other ornamental foliage plants, both annuals and perennials. I like to add dahlias in the front of other because they are late bloomers and go till the first frost. Other than a little staking for the tall ones, They are low maintenance. All is not lost.

You can always plant perennial herbs as well. In zone 6 lemon balm is an early riser as well as oregano and sage. Dill always reseeds itself.

There are some other annuals, pretty as well as easy, that distract from flowerless stalks. They bloom all summer long. Old favorites such as marigolds, new varieties of petunias and celosia, to name a few.

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Kizmo Marietta, OH(Zone 6a) Jun 15, 2011

Thanks for the replies! they look alittle odd out there by the sidewalk by themselves, I'll have to see what I can find to plant around them that I don't have to dig up in the fall. It's one of those partial shady spots along a brick walkway that drains so fast, you don't know you've watered it. I was really surprised they came up, but they sure turned out pretty. Ohhh, celosia, I forgot about that one, those are always pretty... guess I better check to see what I can find.
All have a lovely day, I'll be back later..

Kathy

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