Lilies are a gardener’s delight, from their breathtaking blooms in summer to their ability to come back stronger year after year. But many gardeners aren’t sure what to do once their lilies finish blooming. Some even toss the bulbs, thinking the plant’s life cycle is over.
That’s a huge mistake.
As the owner of DH Garden Centre and DH Landscape Solution here in Vancouver, I’ve helped countless customers revive and multiply their lilies for year-after-year beauty. In this blog, I’ll walk you through exactly how to care for lilies after they bloom – from deadheading to bulb storage – so you can enjoy even more flowers next season.
Let’s dig in.
Discover exactly how to care for lilies after they bloom to ensure a stunning rebloom next season.
Why Post-Bloom Lily Care Matters
The time after your lilies bloom is just as important as the blooming period itself. Once the flowers fade, your plant enters a crucial recovery and energy-storage phase.
Neglecting this part means:
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Weak bulbs that may not flower next year
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Poor bulb development and multiplication
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Increased risk of disease and rot over winter
With proper care, however, you can encourage not just one more year of blooming – but potentially dozens.
Step 1: Deadhead the Spent Flowers Correctly
When your lilies begin to fade, don’t just leave them to rot. But also—don’t cut them back completely. Here’s the right way to remove dead flowers:
🛠 How to Deadhead Lilies:
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Use clean, sharp pruners to snip off only the spent blooms.
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Leave at least 10 inches of the stem intact. The remaining foliage is still actively photosynthesizing, feeding the bulb.
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Avoid letting the plant go to seed. If seeds form, the plant will use energy on seed production instead of replenishing the bulb.
👉 This step is crucial in caring for lilies after they bloom because it directs energy where it matters most—back into the bulb.
Avoid letting the plant go to seed. If seeds form, the plant will use energy on seed production instead of replenishing the bulb.
Step 2: Treat the Lily Like a Green Plant
Once the flowers are gone, many gardeners forget about the plant. Big mistake.
Even without blooms, your lily is hard at work underground. It’s now time to care for lilies after they bloom as if they were green leafy houseplants.
🌱 Watering:
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Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy.
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Lilies hate standing water. Well-draining soil is essential.
🌿 Feeding Your Lily:
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Use a balanced 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer every two weeks for the first two months after flowering.
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After 8 weeks, switch to a high-potash fertilizer to support bulb growth (look for tomato or bloom-boosting formulas).
👀 Watch for Bulblets:
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Small bulblets often appear at the base of the stem after blooming.
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These baby bulbs are a sign your lily is healthy and multiplying!
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Add soil mixed with organic compost over the base to protect these young bulbs and keep them moist.
By continuing to water and feed your lily after blooming, you’re helping it store energy to bounce back next year even stronger.
Step 3: Let the Foliage Die Back Naturally
Don’t be in a rush to cut back dying foliage. The yellowing leaves might look messy, but they’re still working.
Here’s what to do:
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Let the leaves turn fully brown before removing.
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Cut the foliage down to the base once it’s completely dry.
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Stop watering after this stage.
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Move pots or containers to a dry, sheltered area away from winter rain.
In colder climates like much of Canada, apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch to protect in-ground bulbs from freeze damage.
This resting phase is part of lily dormancy. Proper care here ensures a better comeback in spring.
With proper care, however, you can encourage not just one more year of blooming – but potentially dozens.
In colder climates like much of Canada, apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch to protect in-ground bulbs from freeze damage.
Step 4: Replant or Divide Your Lily Bulbs in Spring (or Fall)
Once your lilies have fully died back and rested, it’s time to prep them for their next cycle.
When to Replant:
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In spring, move containers to a warm place and begin watering again.
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Or divide bulbs in the fall if your lilies seem crowded or if you want to improve soil health.
How to Divide Lily Bulbs:
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Gently dig up the clump of bulbs.
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Shake off loose soil and rinse gently if needed.
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Inspect for rot, mold, or pests. Discard damaged bulbs.
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Trim roots, leaving 1–2 inches of healthy roots intact.
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Separate by size: Mother bulb vs. bulblets.
You’ll often find a large central mother bulb, surrounded by smaller offset bulbs and even scales that have started forming their own roots.
Step 5: Repot and Refresh the Soil Mix
Lilies are heavy feeders. They appreciate fresh, loose, and nutrient-rich soil when replanted.
At DH Garden Centre, I often recommend this simple homemade lily mix:
🪴 DIY Lily Soil Mix:
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50% loamy potting soil
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20% organic compost (like sheep manure or mushroom compost)
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20% perlite or rice husk
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10% slow-release granular fertilizer
This mix ensures excellent drainage while holding enough nutrients and moisture.
Replant your larger bulbs deeper into pots or garden beds. Keep the smaller bulblets near the surface so they can continue maturing.
Water thoroughly after replanting—and wait for the magic.
Bonus: Can You Force Lilies to Bloom Again the Same Year?
In general, Asiatic lilies and Oriental lilies only bloom once per year. However, with proper post-bloom care, some gardeners report seeing light second flushes or reblooming indoors when temperature and light are controlled.
But for most of us in Vancouver or other Canadian regions, lilies are a one-and-done bloomer per season—and that’s okay. With these care steps, you’ll have even more bulbs and bigger blooms next year.
Common Mistakes Gardeners Make After Lily Bloom
Let’s pause and reflect on what not to do:
❌ Don’t remove the foliage too early.
❌ Don’t stop watering right after the flowers drop.
❌ Don’t leave bulblets exposed.
❌ Don’t store bulbs wet or in plastic bags over winter.
❌ Don’t forget to feed after blooming!
Correcting these mistakes can turn a one-season display into a forever lily garden.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Should I cut my lilies down to the ground after blooming?
No. Only remove the dead flowers. Let the green foliage remain until it dies back naturally. Cutting too early weakens the bulb.
Q2: How long do lily bulbs last?
With good care, lily bulbs can rebloom for decades. I’ve seen customers keep bulbs thriving for 15–20 years.
Q3: Can I store lily bulbs over winter?
Yes. Store in a cool, dry, and dark place in peat moss or sawdust. Check monthly for mold or rot.
Q4: When is the best time to divide lily bulbs?
Fall or early spring is ideal. This gives the bulbs time to settle in before the next bloom cycle.
Q5: What fertilizer is best for lilies after they bloom?
Start with a balanced 10-10-10 for the first 2 months, then switch to high-potash to feed the bulbs.
Final Thoughts: Let Your Lilies Come Back Stronger
Caring for lilies after they bloom isn’t hard—but it does require intention. Whether you grow them in pots on a Vancouver balcony or a sunny patch in your backyard, your lilies will thank you with stronger, more vibrant blooms next year.
Remember:
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Deadhead, but leave the stem.
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Keep watering and feeding post-bloom.
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Let leaves die back fully.
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Divide and replant with love.
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Never throw away a healthy bulb—it still has a story to tell.
At DH Garden Centre, we believe gardening is about connection—not just to plants, but to yourself, your space, and the seasons. Come visit us at 3742 West 10th Avenue in Kitsilano, Vancouver, or shop online at dhgardencentre.com for everything you need—from bulbs to organic fertilizers to pots and more.
Let’s make your lilies bloom again—bigger, better, and brighter.
Let me know if you’d like to repurpose this post into social media content, email tips, or an in-store lily care handout!
