When they are skinny like that, there is no need to dig and divide. They need to stay where they are, have a good dose of blood meal every year and good drainage.

There is really no need to divide asiatic or oriental lilies at all unless they are failing to thrive. But after an insult like having been eaten by a deer, it takes a year or two to recover. Most people think lilies have to be dug and divided often, but I find that often retards their growth the following year. I leave mine in place. I have a Midnight Strain trumpet lily that I planted 5 years ago. It was just one bulb and produced one stem. This year I have twelve stems, each one is over an inch thick. If the plants perform as they did last year, I expect each one to have about sixty trumpets on it. Believe me, that is a beautiful sight, worth waiting for.

Lilies take time. Don't give them Miracle gro. Feed blood meal and be patient. That's my best advice.

Lainey

I appreciate the advice. I meant "divide" and somehow typed "separate"--I'm glad you answered! I'm pretty sure this was one that was eaten when it was still fairly small last year. The four that I managed to save from the deer last year are huge this year, with many buds.

The area where I have mine planted does have good drainage and optimal sun until about 2-3 pm, then it's mostly dappled shade for the rest of the day. I did give them some bone meal this year, as I am not familiar with blood meal, but I will look into that. I'd *love* to see a photo of your "Midnight Strain"--it sounds incredible!

Thanks again!
Bethany

When it blooms, I'll post some photos. Good luck with your lilies.

Lainey