Should Brown Lily Stems Be Cut Back At End Of Season And If So How

Question From: P. Hall - Flat Rock, Michigan, United States
Q: My Netties Pride lilies bloomed and spread beautifully this year.Now at end of season stems are brown and dry. Should these be cut back...and if so how far down.I can't remember what I did last season.Thank you.

A: When cutting Asiatic lilies for bouquets cut as little of the stem as possible. The plants need their leaves to produce energy for next year's blossoms. When the plant has bloomed out, the green foliage should be left intact until it turns brown and stem dies. At that point cut the dead foliage from the base of the plant. Allan Armitage leaves several inches intact so he knows where they are located in the garden. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy