What to Do With Lilies in May for a Spectacular Display of Blooms That Thrive All Summer Long
Simple seasonal lily care tips for stronger stems, healthier growth, and better summer blooms
Lilies really start to come into their own towards the end of spring. One week, they’re just pushing through the soil, and the next, they’re tall with strong stems, fresh green leaves, and the first signs of buds. It’s one of the most exciting times in the garden because you can see the plants changing almost every day.
It’s also the point when a bit of extra attention can make a noticeable difference later in summer. Whether you grow classic Asiatic lilies, fragrant Orientals, or tall trumpet varieties, now is the time to help them build strong, healthy growth before flowering gets underway.
In many parts of the US, warmer temperatures and longer days push lilies into a fast growth phase during May. A few simple tasks now – like watering consistently, feeding when needed, and supporting taller stems early – can help plants stay healthy and upright once the blooms arrive.
1. Start Feeding Before Buds Open
Oriental Lily.
By May, lilies are putting a huge amount of energy into growing taller stems and forming flower buds, so this is the ideal time to fertilize lilies regularly. A balanced fertilizer early in the month helps support healthy roots, sturdy stems, and lush foliage. As buds start to form, switching to a feed that’s slightly higher in potash can encourage stronger flowering and longer-lasting blooms. Products like Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food are a popular choice for giving lilies a reliable nutrient boost during this active growing stage.
If you grow lilies in pots or containers, feeding becomes even more important because nutrients are depleted much faster than they are in garden beds. A diluted liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks is usually enough to keep container-grown lilies healthy and blooming well through summer.
Some gardeners also like to make their own lily fertilizer using homemade options such as diluted comfrey feed or compost tea. These can provide a gentle nutrient boost while improving soil health at the same time.
2. Stay Ahead of Lily Beetles
Trumpet Lily.
For many gardeners, lily beetles are one of the most frustrating summer garden pests when growing lilies. These bright red insects become active in spring and can quickly damage leaves, stems, and developing buds if they’re left unchecked.
It really helps to check plants regularly throughout May, especially the undersides of leaves where both beetles and their larvae like to hide. Catching them early makes a big difference, and in most gardens, simply hand-picking them off is still one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep them under control.
For extra support, products like BioAdvanced Organics Brand Neem Oil from Amazon can be used early in the season to help disrupt feeding and reduce pest development.
3. Support Tall Lily Varieties Early
Some taller lily varieties can become top-heavy quite quickly once the buds start swelling, especially in windy gardens or after a summer storm. That’s why it’s worth adding support early, before things get out of hand. Simple bamboo canes or discreet supports like these top-rated Plant Support Stakes from Amazon work well and tend to disappear once the foliage fills in.
It’s always much easier to support lilies while the stems are still developing than trying to rescue them after they’ve already flopped or snapped.
4. Keep Watering Steady
Calla Lily.
As temperatures rise in late spring, lilies really benefit from steady, consistent moisture while they’re actively growing. The aim is to keep the soil evenly moist, not waterlogged, since bulbs don’t do well in soggy conditions.
Container-grown lilies tend to dry out much faster than those in the ground, especially on sunny patios or in warmer southern climates, so they often need a closer eye on watering. Adding a layer of mulch around the base helps hold in moisture and keeps soil temperatures more stable as the summer heat builds.
5. Clear Weeds While Plants Are Still Accessible
May is really the time to get ahead of weeds around lilies, before the plants fully bulk up. Weeds start competing for water and nutrients just as lilies are pushing energy into stems and bud formation, and even a small patch of growth can have an impact on flowering later. Keeping things clear also improves airflow, which helps reduce the risk of fungal problems in warm, humid summer conditions.
Regular hand-weeding is still the most reliable approach, especially after rain when weeds lift out more easily by the roots. Adding a mulch layer – like bark chips or composted mulch – helps suppress new growth, retain moisture, and keep soil conditions more stable as temperatures rise.
For extra early-season support, I also use Espoma Organic Turf-Tone Weed Preventer from Amazon to help reduce weed seed germination and ease overall pressure in planting beds.
6. Leave Healthy Leaves in Place
Lily of the Valley.
At this stage in the season, lily foliage is doing a lot more work than it might look like. Those green leaves are quietly building energy not just for this year’s flowers, but for next year’s bulbs too. That’s why it’s best to leave them in place unless they’re clearly damaged or diseased.
The longer the foliage stays healthy through early summer, the stronger and more reliable the flowering display tends to be overall.
Shop Lily Care Essentials for May
Even among Oriental lilies, ‘Stargazer’ is a true standout. Its bold crimson-pink blooms, edged in white and speckled with soft pink, bring instant impact along with a rich, heady fragrance. Compact yet showy, it’s ideal for borders, cottage gardens, or pots, with sturdy 16-18" stems that also make excellent cut flowers. Blooming from July to August, it returns reliably each year and naturalises well over time.
A classic weeding tool design dating back to 1913, created for effortless, strain-free garden maintenance. With its 45" handle, it allows you to clear weeds without bending or kneeling, making it particularly useful for maintaining lily flower beds with minimal disturbance to surrounding plants. The 4-claw mechanism performs best in softer, moist soil – especially after rain or watering – gripping and lifting weeds cleanly from the root.
These high-quality bamboo stakes are made from strong, natural bamboo and individually inspected for durability, making them a reliable choice for plant support indoors or outdoors. Ideal for tomatoes, beans, vegetables, and ornamental plants like lilies, they help keep stems upright as they grow. Eco-friendly and reusable, they blend naturally into the garden while encouraging healthy vertical growth and better light exposure.
Lilies don’t need constant attention, but they do appreciate a bit of timely care. In May, that really comes down to the basics – feeding regularly, watering well, keeping an eye out for pests, and supporting taller stems before they get too heavy.
If you get those things right now, the payoff comes later in summer with stronger plants, better blooms, and the kind of bold, dramatic display lilies are known for.
