Lily Care Tips (and a Note for Cat Owners)

Lilies are elegant, fragrant and long-lasting. A few simple steps help them look their best.

Let the buds open

Lilies often arrive with closed buds that open over several days. Keep them in a bright room out of direct sun and they will bloom one after another, extending the life of the bouquet.

Remove the pollen

As each flower opens, gently pull off the pollen-covered anthers with a tissue. This prevents orange pollen from staining petals, tablecloths and clothing, and can help the flower last longer.

Fresh water and trimmed stems

Trim the stems at an angle and change the water every two days. Remove flowers as they fade so the remaining buds have room to open.

Important: keep lilies away from cats

True lilies (such as Easter, Asiatic, Oriental and Tiger lilies) and daylilies are highly toxic to cats. Even a small amount of pollen, a leaf or water from the vase can cause serious kidney damage. If you have a cat, choose a lily-free bouquet such as roses or sunflowers. If a cat may have touched a lily, contact a veterinarian right away.