Lilium longiflorum – The Easter Lily
For many, the Easter Lily, the traditional time-honored flower of Easter, is highly regarded as a joyful symbol of beauty, hope and life. The large, trumpet-shaped, fragrant white flowers make a meaningful gift that embodies the very essence of the celebration of Easter.
Tradition has it that the beautiful white lilies sprung up where drops of Christ’s sweat fell to the ground in his final hours of sorrow and deep distress. Churches, to this day, continue the tradition at Easter time by banking their altars and surrounding their crosses with masses of Easter Lilies, to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and hope of life everlasting.
Easter Lilies prefer moderately moist, well-drained soil and moderately cool temperatures. Recommended daytime temperatures are 60o to 65o F. with slightly cooler night temperatures. The lily will thrive near a window in bright, indirect natural daylight, but avoid glaring, direct sunlight.
Water the plant thoroughly when the soil surface feels dry to a light touch, but avoid over-watering. For best results, remove the plant from container, and water thoroughly until water seeps out of the pot’s drain holes to completely saturate the soil. Allow the plant to air for a few minutes and discard the excess water before replacing it back into its container.
As the flowers mature, remove the yellow anthers before the pollen starts to shed. This gives longer flower life and prevents the pollen from staining the white flowers. When a mature flower starts to wither after its prime, cut it off to make the plant more attractive while you still enjoy the fresher, newly-opened blooms.
The Easter Lily bulbs are surprisingly hardy even in cold climates. After the last bloom has withered and has been cut away, you can continue to grow your Easter Lilies, and even plant them outside in your garden to enjoy them for years to come.
