Outdoor Arum Lily Care: Make Your Garden Shine
When it comes to taking care of an arum lily, also known as Zantedeschia, there are a few important things to keep in mind. These stunning plants can really make your garden shine, so it’s worth putting in the effort to ensure they thrive. Here are some tips to help you take care of your arum lilies and make them flourish in your outdoor space.
1. Choose the right location: Arum lilies prefer a spot with partial shade or filtered sunlight. They don’t do well in full sun, so avoid planting them in areas that receive intense direct sunlight all day long. Find a place in your garden that offers some shade during the hottest parts of the day.
2. Prepare the soil: Arum lilies thrive in moist, humus-rich soil. They don’t like to be planted in dry or sandy soil, as it can lead to poor growth and wilted leaves. Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve its moisture-retaining capacity and nutrient content.
3. Planting: Dig a hole that is about twice the size of the arum lily bulb. Place the bulb in the hole with the pointed end facing up and cover it with soil. Make sure the bulb is planted at a depth of around 5-7 centimeters. Space the bulbs about 30-40 centimeters apart to allow for proper growth and airflow.
4. Watering: At the beginning, water the newly planted bulbs sparingly. You want to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once you start to see the first blooms appearing, it’s time to increase the watering. Arum lilies love water and thrive in moist conditions, so make it rain (figuratively, of course) by watering deeply and regularly. Aim to keep the soil consistently damp but not waterlogged.
5. Fertilizing: Arum lilies benefit from regular feeding during the growing season. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for flowering plants. Apply the fertilizer according to the package instructions, typically every 6-8 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced blooming.
6. Mulching: Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the arum lilies can help conserve moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature. Use a mulch such as shredded bark, straw, or compost. Apply a layer about 5-7 centimeters thick, taking care not to pile it up against the stems of the plants.
7. Pruning: Arum lilies don’t require extensive pruning, but you can remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking tidy. After the blooming period is over, you can also cut back the spent flower stems to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from wasting energy on seed production.
8. Winter care: In colder climates, arum lilies may not be frost-tolerant. If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, you’ll need to dig up the bulbs in late autumn before the first frost hits. Allow the bulbs to dry for a few days, then store them in a cool, dry place for the winter. Replant them in spring when the danger of frost has passed.
By following these care tips, you can enjoy the beauty of arum lilies in your garden. Their elegant blooms and lush foliage will add a touch of sophistication and charm to any outdoor space. So, get ready to make your garden shine with these stunning plants!
