You know those beautiful lily starfire encore plants that pop up in gardens and flowerbeds all around the neighborhood each year? Their colorful blooms and hardy nature make them a favorite for gardeners, but caring for these lovely flowers does require some specific know-how. In this article, you’ll get the inside scoop on how to keep your lily starfire encores thriving in your own yard or garden. From tips on proper planting and ideal growing conditions to advice for fertilizing and troubleshooting common issues, you’ll learn everything you need to help these spectacular blooms put on their best show. Get ready to become a lily starfire encore pro!
An Introduction to Lily Starfire Encore
Once the flowers fade in late summer, remove the spent blooms but leave the stems intact. The stems will continue feeding the bulbs for next year’s growth. In fall, cut the stems down to the ground after they turn brown. Add a fresh layer of mulch over the soil to protect the bulbs over winter and repeat the planting and care cycle again the following growing season.
With the proper planting and care, your Lily Starfire Encore bulbs will multiply and produce bigger clumps of flowers each year. Dividing the clumps every 3 to 5 years in the fall will stimulate new growth and allow you to spread these gorgeous lilies to other areas of your garden.
Growing and Caring for Lily Starfire Encore Plants
Lily Starfire Encore plants are gorgeous additions to any garden. Once established, these perennials can thrive with minimal maintenance, rewarding you with beautiful orange blooms year after year. Here are some tips to help your lilies prosper.
Planting
Plant lily bulbs in the early spring after the threat of frost has passed. Choose a spot with well-drained, fertile soil and full sun for at least six to eight hours per day. Bury the bulbs two to three times their width deep with the roots facing downwards. Space the bulbs 18 to 24 inches apart.
Watering
Water lilies regularly, especially for the first two years after planting. The top few inches of soil should remain consistently damp but not soggy. An inch of water per week is a good rule of thumb. Reduce watering in the fall when the foliage starts to die back.
Fertilizing
Fertilize lilies in early spring before new growth starts and again once flowering has finished. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, such as 10-10-10. Follow the directions on the product packaging and be careful not to overfertilize.
Pruning
Remove spent flowers and flower stalks after blooming to promote new growth. Cut the stems down to the ground. Also prune away any dead or damaged foliage. Do not cut back the green foliage until it dies back naturally in fall. The leaves will feed the bulb for next year’s growth.
Pests and Diseases
Watch for common lily pests like aphids, spider mites, and lily leaf beetles. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays. Fungal leaf spot disease can also affect lilies. Remove and destroy infected foliage and consider applying a copper-based fungicide.
With the proper planting and care, your Lily Starfire Encore bulbs will reward you with a vibrant show of color and fragrance for many summers to come. Pay close attention to their needs, and you’ll have thriving, healthy lilies for years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lily Starfire Encore
How long will my lilies bloom?
The Starfire Encore lilies can bloom for up to 6-8 weeks in the summer, usually from July through August in the northern hemisphere. The blooms start opening from the bottom of the stem and work their way up, so you’ll have flowers in different stages of bloom at the same time. As the flowers fade, remove them to promote new bud development. With regular deadheading, these lilies can produce new blooms into early fall.
Do I need to stake my lilies?
The Starfire Encore lilies generally do not require staking since they grow 3 to 4 feet tall. However, if your lilies are exposed to strong winds, staking is a good idea to help support their top-heavy blooms. Drive a sturdy bamboo or metal stake into the ground next to the lily stem and loosely tie the stem to the stake at several points. Be very careful not to damage the stem or buds. Remove the stakes once the blooms have faded.
Should I cut back the foliage in fall?
It is best to leave the foliage on Starfire Encore lilies intact through fall. The leaves will naturally die back as the weather cools. The foliage absorbs sunlight and nutrients that the plant needs to produce flowers for the following year. Only cut the foliage once it has turned completely brown. In colder climates, you may want to apply a winter mulch around the base of the plants after the first hard freeze to provide some protection.
How often should I divide my lilies?
Starfire Encore lilies generally do not require frequent dividing. Only divide the clumps every 3 to 5 years if you notice a decrease in bloom size or if the center of the clump begins to die out. The best time to divide lilies is in the early spring before new growth starts. Use a garden fork to carefully lift the entire clump from the ground. Pull or cut the clump apart into sections that have both roots and stems attached, then replant at the same depth. Dividing in this manner will produce the healthiest plants.
Conclusion
And there you have it, folks! Growing lily starfire encore in your garden takes a bit of work, but the beauty and satisfaction you’ll get from those colorful blooms popping up spring, summer, and fall make it totally worthwhile. Just remember to give them lots of sun, keep up with watering and fertilizing, and prune back spent blooms. It may take some trial and error to figure out the perfect spot, but once your lilies are happy, you’ll be rewarded with a gorgeous and carefree display. So go grab some bulbs from your local nursery and get planting – your garden will thank you! And be sure to come back and let me know how your encore lilies are doing. Happy gardening!
