White Easter lilies can live many years

Many will buy Easter lilies for themselves or as gifts, but U.S. flower experts remind the admirers of the white trumpet flowers to not throw out the plant. Wesley Berry chief executive officer of FlowerDeliveryExpress.com, said the Easter lily doesn't survive as a houseplant, but it can be transplanted outdoors where it will bloom again and bring years of enjoyment. The Easter lily is considered the traditional Easter flower because it symbolizes resurrection as well as goodness, purity, life, hope and innocence, Berry said. It takes several years of intense care and the perfect mix of soil and climate to produce quality lilies, but U.S. growers are reporting that this year's crop is exceptionally healthy and strong. During the holiday and in the house, plants prefer moderately cool temperatures as well as moderately moist, well-drained soil, Berry said. Once the Easter lily stops blooming, let soil in the plant container dry and remove it from the container without damaging the bulb and the roots. Choose a location protected from the wind and, in warm climates, protected from extreme heat. Those with clay soil should add peat moss to assure good drainage, Berry said. Plant the bulbs 6 inches deep, spacing them 12 to 20 inches apart. Dig a hole deep and wide enough to allow the roots enough room to spread out. Work the soil around each bulb. Cover the bulbs with soil and water thoroughly, Berry said. Cat owners should be warned as little as two leaves can make a cat sick and, if left untreated, can kill it in as little as three days.