Expert: Laura Walker - 10/28/2006

Question
I've been lucky the last several years after planting some oriental hybrids.  I planted them three years ago about 12 inches apart, and now they top 7 + feet, with 20 + flowers on each stem.  They have 2 gallon sized root balls, most have two stocks, but I can't tell if I can split them.  I tried to somewhat pry them apart, but they are huge.  What should I do?  

Thanks!

Answer
Ryan,
They sound like Tiger Lilies.But whatever type lily you have they are divided the same way.You just have to dig them up with a sharp spade and divide them by slicing them into clumps with the same sharp spade you use to dig them up or an edging tool used for making landscape bed edging.
They may be really tough rooted but unfortuneately this is the only way to divide them.They are impossible to "pry" apart therefore they should be chopped into several clumps per plant. This is not a fun job but it is rewarding when you see the results next year and how many more blooms you will have!Good luck to you on your fall project!