If you are like most gardeners, you probably have a few Stella d’oro lilies planted in your garden. These beautiful flowers are known for their large, trumpet-shaped blooms that come in shades of yellow, orange, and red.
They are popular plants for both gardens and flower beds, thanks to their ability to bloom continuously from early summer until fall.
With their bright yellow petals and dark green leaves, they are sure to catch your eye as you walk by.
If you have one of these in your garden, and if they’re grown in the right conditions, you’ll notice that it will spread rapidly and may become overcrowded. When this happens, it’s time to divide the plant!
When is the Best Time to Divide Stella D’Oro Lilies?
Technically, you can divide the plant any time of the year. These plants are remarkably resilient, and as long as you take care to replant them properly, they will quickly adjust to their new surroundings and continue blooming. However, for the best results, it’s best to divide Stella d’oro lilies in the spring.
In general, you want to divide the plant during the active growing season – and spring is when usually new foliage starts to appear and grow. Dividing them during this stage gives the plant time to establish its roots before the blooming season begins.
It also allows you to replant them in an area of your garden where they will have enough room to spread out and grow without becoming overcrowded.
If you’ve missed the growing season, the next time to do so is during the early fall. Once it blooms, this plant starts a new growth cycle, so dividing it during this time will give the plant a chance to establish new roots before winter sets in.
However, you have to remove the late bloom stalks during this time to prevent the plant from setting seed.
How to Divide Stella D’Oro Lillies
A favorite of many gardeners, Stella D’Oro lilies are prized for their showy gold flowers and easy-care nature. They’re also relatively long-lived, with many plants continuing to bloom for years with minimal care.
If you’re looking to add some Stella D’Oros to your garden, or if you have an overgrown clump that needs to be divided, the process is relatively simple. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
First, dig up the entire clump of lilies, taking care not to damage the root system. Next, using a sharp knife or spade, divide the roots into sections, ensuring each section has at least one healthy shoot.
Replant each section in a prepared bed and water it well. This process is applicable when you have decided to divide your plant during the spring. Remember that it’s best to have four fans – or more – per clump to ensure a good show of flowers the following season.
Otherwise, if you’ve decided to divide during other times of the year, make sure that you remove the flower stalks before you start with the division process. Cut back about 8 inches off the foliage with a sharp pair of gardening shears. This will help reduce stress on the plant as it adjusts to its new location.
Take note that the shears you use need to be disinfected and clean. Otherwise, you risk infecting the plant with a disease. After you have divided and replanted your lilies, give them a little extra TLC by applying a layer of mulch around the base of each plant.
This will help keep the roots cool and moist and protect them from any unexpected frosts or freezes.
Final Thoughts
Dividing Stella d’oro lilies is a simple process that can be done at any time of the year. However, for the best results, it’s best to do so in the spring or early fall. When dividing, make sure each section has at least one healthy shoot and replant them in a prepared bed.
Related article: Can Lilies Survive Frost?