Care tips - Lilies

Just add water....

....and a little pampering

How do you feel when you arrive somewhere after a journey?

Chances are your lilies feel much the same. Welcome them to their new environment by following these simple steps.

Despite their air of sophistication, lilies are prone to being messy guests. You can prevent them from spilling pollen by carefully removing the stamens – hold each stamen firmly at its base and tug gently

1. In the same way as you like to take off your coat and put down your bag, your lilies want to get rid of any excess baggage. Remove any leaves that will be below the waterline of the vase, and untie any bits of string that are keeping the stems together.

2. While relaxation is important, you need to keep your lilies on their toes. Cut about 3cm off the stems, ensuring you make the incision at a 45-degree angle. If you can perform this task while holding each stem under water, all the better.

3. Drinks and snacks all round! Empty the sachet of plant food into a vase and fill it with water. Not ice cold water, mind you. Water is the red wine of lilies, so they prefer a glass served at room temperature.

4. Arrange the lilies in the vase and then settle your guests somewhere they’ll feel welcome – away from bright light and drafts, and somewhere you’ll enjoy their company and remember to take care of them.

Play the perfect host by changing the water and adding more plant food every three days or so. Feel free to talk to your lilies, but be careful not to cause unease to other guests who may be visiting.