Fortnight Lilies

Question from Marilyn:
I read with interest your reply to the gardener with a question regarding African Iris/Fortnight Lilies. I have already dug up many of my clumps (today)and clipped the leaves to about 6″ above the roots. I am now wondering how long they will take to create new growth and if they will flower this season. I have many more that I would like to put in pots and give away and wonder if I should continue to cut them back before potting them.

Answer from Pat:
Yes, your fortnight lilies will flower again this year. Dig up the soil, amend it with organics, fertilize with balanced organic fertilizer according to package directions, and replant the divisions immediately. Follow up by watering well. The roots will begin to get established right away. The plants will begin growing and putting out new growth as soon as the weather warms up in spring. They should start bloom again in late spring or summer. I usually tell folks to simply throw out the remainder of the plants. Fortnight lilies are ubiquitous. They are readily available at low cost. If any friends of yours want some just give them the divisions so they can plant them right away. You can either cut back the tops or not, just as you desire. A nice way to give them is to tie them into bundles, but this is not necessary. You can just put them in brown paper grocery sacks and give them to friends or share them with your garden club. This is a great plant for filling space or planting in drifts on a bank.