Lilies. Ugh.

I am in the process of renovating my curb flowerbed - it hasn't been touched since we bought the house two years ago.

I've dug up about seven lily bulbs, and I'm not sure what they are. They range in size from tennis ball to baseball, are scaly, and have two sets of roots - one set growing down from the bulb, and one set growing out about 2" below soil level. I remember them being tall - about 5', but as for bloom color, streaks, or frills, I forget. Are they Asiatics or something else?

Lastly, I dug one up where I hadn't realized there was one and I sliced off about a fifth down one side. Is it worth trying to rehabilitate this one, or is it a lost cause?

Thanks!

I see you are new here. Welcome!

The roots just below stem level are most likely "stem" roots that grow from the stem just above the bulb. I assume the stem has died back by now so these roots are no longer useful. This season's new stem will grow new roots around the top of the bulb. Most of the feeding is done through the stem roots. Try to keep as much of the bottom roots intact. No good way to tell what kind of lily-- Could be asiatic, oriental, or trumpet or some hybrid between these (very popular now). If you can post a pic when it blooms I can give you an idea.

As for the sliced bulb (don't you just hate that CRUNCH sound) I would just replant it. Hopefully you missed the new stem base and if not it will probably start putting out new bulblets in response.