Lilies and Other Easter Plants Charlie Nardozzi of the National Gardening Association explains the proper care and treatment of lilies and discusses alternative Easter plants. If you would like an alternative to the ever-popular Easter lily, give one of the following a try:
Stargazer--The Easter lily is one of the most enduring symbols for this sacred holiday, but there are many other wonderful lilies, like this Stargazer. It has more of an open shape than the Easter lily, and it is a great replacement for the Easter lily because it can be planted outside and will come back each year.
* Note: When looking for a lily at a garden center, inspect it for healthy green foliage all the way up the plant. Make sure some healthy buds exist toward the top.
Miniature Roses--These delicate beauties make a perfect lily replacement because they have a nice, subtle fragrance and they do well indoors. They will grow to approximately a foot. After they've bloomed inside, they can be transplanted outside in a container. In the autumn, bring them back inside under a grow light and they'll bloom again. One note of caution, spider mites can be a problem with miniature roses. To get rid of these pests, spray the plant with a mixture of insecticide soap and water three or four times a week.
Flowering Azaleas--One of the beauties of spring is a perfect alternative to Easter lilies. This particular variety is called the "florist's azalea." They flower in the spring and are especially good for indoors, when kept cool. The blooms usually last for weeks. Outdoors, these azaleas do well in Zone 8. Plant them outside after the danger of frost is gone. To keep the plant bushy, snip the new growth down at least three leaves. This forces the buds to branch out, which keeps the plant in a round, bushy form.
Resources National Gardening Association
The company offers a magazine, catalog and newsletter featuring information about trees, shrubs and other plants.
For a free sample copy of the bimonthly
National Gardening Magazine, contact the National Gardening Association at the address or phone number provided. For magazine subscriptions dial 800-727-9097.
National Gardening Association
180 Flynn Ave.
Burlington, VT 05401
Phone: 802-863-1308
Toll-free: 800-538-7476
Fax: 802-863-5962
E-mail:
m.maccaskey@nationalgardening.com
Website:
www.garden.org
Guests Charlie Nardozzi
Horticulturist, The National Gardening Association
1100 Dorset St.
Burlington, VT 05403
Toll-free: 800-538-7476
E-mail:
nga@garden.org
Website:
www.garden.org
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