When Planted Outdoors, Why Do Easter Lilies Change Color?

Growing Easter lilies in containers is an option for those living in USDA plant hardiness zones colder than 7. These plants can be brought indoors for winter, and when planted outdoors, they are not a nuisance. However, the foliage can still be saved and transplanted outdoors. To plant Easter lilies indoors, place them in a spot with bright, indirect light and keep them away from drafts or radiators.

When planting, choose a healthy plant with no yellow leaves. Flowers will occasionally change color according to soil pH changes, which will happen gradually over time, especially if lime has been applied to raise it in the past. Easter lilies prefer a pH of 6.0 to 7.5, so it may have something to do with it.

Lilies sold as colored “Longiflorum” are actually LLO’s and LLA’s, with the second cross back to Longiflorum (also by embryo rescue) may also be affected. Many of the effects are caused by different pigments responding differently to temperatures. Lilies that have been genetically altered for various colors can have the tendency to change color as it ages.

If the plant is rootbound, loosen the roots and spread out in the planting hole. The leaves and stem will soon start to turn brown, but within a few weeks new ones will appear. Plant stress such as drought, insect attack, or nutrition can also cause different levels of pigments in flowers. Even after the leaves have turned brown, remember that a bulb is left underground, which does not like to dry out.

Some daylilies may have changed their color from last year’s orange due to extreme cold. Genetic mutations, sports, bulblets, and stray bulb leaves may be responsible for this phenomenon. Weather can also have some effect on the color of these flowers.