Transplanting lilies in June

[greiners]

In preparation for a renovation to our house I must dig up day lilies and oriental lilies that are currently blooming. Will I lose them because the timing for transplanting is wrong? If not, what is the best way to care for them until they can be planted again?

[Newt]

Hi Greiners,
If you must dig then now, cut off all bloom stems on the daylilies, water well and dig within 48 hours of watering. For the lilies, cut off the flowers but leave the foilage to feed the bulbs for next years bloom, water well and dig after 48 hours as well. Watering this way will help to hydrate the plants and they should have less transplant shock. Keep in a part sun or even shady area after digging up to lessen stress. Replant where you want them in the fall. If they will need to overwinter, you can pot them up and just sink the pots in the ground for the winter. I've done it and it all worked out fine.

Hope this helps,
Newt

[yarrow]

I recently transplanted several daylilies and Asiatic lilies to a new bed. I watered them well, and they are doing fine. The daylilies were in bloom and continue to bloom. I am hoping they will survive the cold winter.