The flower that most often comes to judgement , when we think of Easter , is the Easter lily . But there are others as well , all with rather interesting ancestry .
Did you know that the Easter lily ’s lawful name is Bermuda lily ? It is a virtuous white bloom , believed to symbolize purity . total from one lightbulb , the flower is said to typify the tomb of Jesus with the peak symbolizing his life after death .
In the Alps , the narcissus has been connect with Easter for centuries . In fact , even before Christianity , the narcissus represented springtime in Hellenic mythology .
In England and Russia , puss willowsare used for Easter prime . In the Middle East , it is wild tulips , while in Mexico , tropic flowers fill the church building during this spring holiday season .
The other Germans decorated with red flowers and red fruit plants such as English holly , believe the ruddy colouring material represented the stock of Christ . The arena anemone , Anemone coronaria , also was associated with the passion of Christ . In this country , most people buy Easter lily to celebrate the season . When buying a lily , choose a plant with many unopened bud and leaves all the way down the stem . Poor growing conditions or solution disease will cause the loss of leaves from the bottom up , so be certain to pull back the wrapper to check .
opt a well - proportioned industrial plant , one that ’s about two times as high as the pot . hold back the bud , peak , and leaves – particularly the undersides – for signs of louse pests and disease .
To keep your lily sizeable at menage , hit the decorative foil or paper covering the locoweed , or make a kettle of fish in the bottom , to allow good drainage . Put your plant where it will get good deal of bright , collateral light and cool temperatures . About 40 to 50 degrees F at night and below 68 degrees F during the day is ideal .
You also will require to keep the soil perpetually moist . To prolong the life of the blossoms , transfer the yellow , pollen - bearing pods or anthers found in the center of each peak .
Do n’t expect your lily to flower again as it ’s already been “ forced ” once by the grower to bloom in clock time for Easter . However , you might get your lily to blossom again next free fall by establish it out of doors once the soil has warmed up .
If you design to replant your lily outdoors , remove the flowers as they fade . Put the plant on a gay windowsill for four to six weeks until the foliage matures . Continue to irrigate .
When the leaves turn brown , cut the stem off at the filth line . Then in late May , plant the bulb four to six inches cryptic in a sunny , well - drain location . fecundate doubly during the summertime . With luck , your lily will flower this fall . Just do n’t count on it outlast a Vermont winter although you might sample protect it with a slurred bed of straw , then wait to see what happens .
A BASKET OF EASTER FLOWERS
By Dr. Leonard Perry
Extension Nursery and Greenhouse Crops SpecialistUniversity of Vermont
