What is the best way to prune a lily?

Answer by  dwammer (710)

After the flowers die, take the flowers off the stem because they will allow extra energy to be directed back at the plant. When pruning, be sure not to cut too many leaves off because they are needed to supply the plant vital nutrients.

Answer by  best (54)

Dead flowers may be removed, but leave as much of the stem as possible so that the plant can retain strenght for the next season. Remove stem when dried out.

Answer by  varunasubayahoocoin (12)

Unless planning to hybridize your own lilies, it is better to cut the spent flowers off before the seed pods develop. By doing this, you are directing all energy back into the bulb strengthening it for next years flowering.

Answer by  Kath (1537)

Cut off the dead flowers before they form seed pods, and make sure to remove any stems that might have dried out.

Answer by  nursepractitionerlisa (793)

Be very aggressive. Use tree pruners right at the base, or drive a shovel right down the middle of it and remove the excess.

Answer by  saloon (64)

Cut the wilted flower before the pods develop. When pruning a stem, do cut off more than one third of the stem as this will remove too many leaves.