For some bloomingly lovely seasonal floral accents, look no further than the Easter lily.
The white lily has become synonymous with Easter thanks to its Christian connections, from associations with the Virgin Mary to mentions of lilies in the Sermon on the Mount.
However, the flower’s mythical history reaches even further into the past with connections to the Greek goddess Juno.
Today, the Easter lily is most popular when it comes to the eponymous occasion, the commemoration of Christ’s Crucifixion and Resurrection that will take place in just two weeks.
For those looking to the trumpet-like bloom to liven up their Easter decor, Jim Hole, of the Enjoy Centre, has some tips.
“They should look for plants that have really nice green foliage throughout,” Hole said when it comes time to choose a plant. Buyers should also watch the bud count, adding more is better – but also often more expensive.
But if you splash out for a plant with several buds, you’ll be rewarded with more flowers for longer as new blooms open as the old fade.
The trick with lilies, whether you’re a grower or just trying to make sure the flowers are on display in time for Easter dinner, is timing.
That timing problem is because Easter changes year to year. That can present challenges for growers and businesses that sell the plants.
“It’s not for the faint of heart, growing lilies, because a lily has to be ready for the Easter season, and you can’t miss it. You can’t be too early, you can’t be too late,” Hole said.
For growers, this means closely monitoring the plant’s stages of development, maybe having to actively slow them down or speed them up.
For those who just want to make sure the flowers are ready for their close-up come Easter, Hole said the plant’s progress can be encouraged or slowed down by controlling the temperature.
“If they look like they’re coming on like gangbusters and you really want to have the display for Sunday, just cool them right down,” he said. For example, a cool basement spot with a bit of sun would help do the trick. If it’s warm enough, a sheltered spot outside can be used but the temperatures should be above freezing.
Hole said it’s typically a matter of slowing down the showy blooms rather than trying to get the buds to make their debut faster. But if you need a speedy show, try warming the plant up.
If aiming to buy an Easter lily, Hole suggests going a bit early to get the best selection.
“It’s nice to have them a week before Easter,” he said.
For care, they just need to be kept moist. Pets should beware. Hole said a good rule of thumb is to keep the plant out of the reach of animals.
If you’re hoping to plant the lily afterwards for future seasons, Hole advised there is only limited success with doing so in this climate.
“They’re really, really marginally hearty here,” he said, adding he has known some people who have successfully over-wintered the lily. “This past winter they probably would have done fine but there’s no guarantee.”
