Photo: Hans Hillewaert, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
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Pruning guide · Bulb or tuber
Martagon lily: when and how to prune
Lilium martagon
Martagon lily is best pruned in October.
| Pruning months | October |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–July |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
| Poisonous to people and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets |
Martagon lily: when to prune it?
Martagon lilies hardly need pruning: after flowering you may remove the seed pods, and in October the dead stem.
What else to prune in those months? October
Martagon lily: how to prune it?
- After flowering, remove the spent flowers, unless you want to collect seed.
- Leave the stem and its leaves until they are yellow and dry; this is how the bulb rebuilds its reserves.
- In October, cut the dead stem off just above ground level.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: October.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Don’t cut more than you need to: what stays standing gives insects and birds food and shelter.
Caution: When cutting for the vase, take no more than a third of the stem, or the bulb will be weakened. Martagon lily is poisonous: wear gloves and keep clippings away from children, pets and livestock.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Martagon lily · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.