Winter: resting crowns and standing seed heads
From December to February, torch lilies rest, holding evergreen leaves or bare crowns, while seed heads stand through the cold.
In winter, torch lilies are at rest. Growth above ground is slow or stopped, and the plant works through the cold with its roots and crown. Some kinds keep their leaves through mild weather, while others lose them and leave a bare clump with seed heads standing above.
- December
- Leaves may stay evergreen and fanned in mild places, or lie flat and brown in colder ones. Frost can burn leaf tips. Wet ground around the crown is the greater risk at this time.
- January
- The clump is quiet. Look at the crown from a short distance and check for soft, dark patches at its base, which show rot. Avoid walking on frozen soil around the clump, since trampling can damage the roots.
- February
- The first signs of movement appear, with pale points forming in the middle of the clump. Plan any spring work now, but do not begin until new growth is clearly visible.
Frost on the leaves does not always mean lasting harm. Brown, flattened foliage after a hard frost is common, and it often gives way to new growth from the crown below. A soft, black or sour-smelling base is different and needs a closer look.
What to look for
- A firm, pale crown with no soft or dark patches
- Seed heads still standing and dry
- Leaves that have browned and flattened after frost, which is common
- Standing water pooled around the base after heavy rain
Jobs for the season
- Check the drainage around the clump after heavy rain.
- Keep the crown clear of leaf litter that holds water against it.
- Leave seed heads standing for shape and interest through the cold.
- Plan any division or move for spring, not for winter.
Winter is mostly a time to leave things alone. Most of the work comes back in spring, when you can see which parts of the clump have come through.