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You can get rid of lilies in your garden by digging up their bulbs, but getting rid of lilies completely often takes persistence.
If you’ve been wondering how to get rid of lilies without harming your other plants, you’re in the right place.
Getting rid of lilies for good means tackling both the bulbs and any tiny bulblets left behind.
In this post, we’ll cover the most effective ways to get rid of lilies, from simple digging to smothering and even chemical options.
Let’s dig in and reclaim your garden from these beautiful but stubborn invaders.
Why Getting Rid of Lilies Can Be Tricky
Getting rid of lilies isn’t as simple as pulling up the stem you see above ground.
Lilies grow from bulbs, and those bulbs can sit dormant for months.
Even if you think you’ve gotten rid of lilies, a single missed scale can sprout into a whole new plant next season.
To truly get rid of lilies, you need to understand how they spread and why they’re so resilient.
Here are the main reasons lilies are hard to eliminate and what you’re up against.
1. Bulbs and Bulblets Hide Underground
The main reason it’s tough to get rid of lilies is the bulb system underground.
Lilies produce a main bulb, but they also create small bulblets that break off and spread.
These bulblets can be several inches away from the parent plant, making them easy to miss.
When you’re trying to get rid of lilies, you must dig deep and wide to catch every single one.
If you leave even a tiny piece of bulb behind, you’ll see new growth within a few weeks.
2. Seeds Can Spread Far and Wide
Another way lilies spread is through seeds, which adds another layer to getting rid of lilies.
After flowering, lilies produce seed pods that burst open and scatter seeds across your garden.
Those seeds can lay dormant for years before germinating, which is why getting rid of lilies feels like a never-ending battle.
To stop this, you should remove flower heads as soon as they start to fade.
Deadheading prevents seed production and makes getting rid of lilies much more manageable.
3. Some Lilies Have Rhizomes, Not Just Bulbs
Certain types of lilies, like the dreaded lily of the valley, spread through rhizomes instead of bulbs.
These underground stems creep sideways and send up new shoots constantly.
Getting rid of lilies with rhizomes requires even more aggressive removal because they don’t stay put.
You’ll need to dig up the entire root system, and even then, fragments can regrow.
Knowing what type of lily you have is key to choosing the right method to get rid of lilies.
Best Methods to Get Rid of Lilies
Now that you know why getting rid of lilies is a challenge, let’s talk about the best ways to actually do it.
Each method has its pros and cons, so pick the one that works for your garden size and patience level.
1. Digging Up the Bulbs by Hand
The most straightforward way to get rid of lilies is to dig them up manually.
Use a garden fork or shovel to loosen the soil around the plant, starting about 12 inches away from the stem.
Gently lift the entire clump of soil and sift through it with your hands to find every bulb and bulblet.
This method works best in early spring or fall when the soil is moist and the bulbs are easier to see.
But to get rid of lilies this way, you’ll need to repeat the process for at least two seasons.
Any missed bulbs will resprout, but consistent digging will eventually exhaust the supply.
2. Smothering Lilies With Mulch or Cardboard
If you want to get rid of lilies without digging, smothering is a great eco-friendly option.
Cut the lily stems down to ground level, then cover the area with a thick layer of cardboard.
Overlap the cardboard edges so no light can penetrate, then soak it with water.
Add 4 to 6 inches of mulch or compost on top to hold the cardboard down.
This method gets rid of lilies by starving them of sunlight, which they need to photosynthesize and store energy.
Within one growing season, the bulbs will weaken significantly, and you can remove them more easily.
3. Using Herbicides for Stubborn Lilies
For large infestations, chemical herbicides might be the only practical way to get rid of lilies.
Choose a non-selective herbicide containing glyphosate, and apply it directly to the lily leaves.
You can even brush it on with a paintbrush to avoid harming neighboring plants.
The herbicide travels down to the bulbs, killing the root system completely.
However, getting rid of lilies with chemicals should be a last resort.
Make sure you follow the label instructions carefully and avoid spraying on windy days to prevent drift.
4. Solarizing the Soil to Kill Bulbs
Solarization is a clever trick that uses the sun’s heat to get rid of lilies and other weeds.
Water the area thoroughly, then cover it with clear plastic sheeting, sealing the edges with soil or rocks.
The sun heats the soil underneath, creating temperatures high enough to cook the bulbs.
Leave the plastic in place for 4 to 6 weeks during the hottest part of summer.
This method is excellent for getting rid of lilies in garden beds you plan to repurpose.
It’s chemical-free and very effective if you can tolerate the plastic sheeting for a while.
How to Get Rid of Lilies Without Damaging Your Garden
Getting rid of lilies shouldn’t mean ruining the rest of your flower beds.
You can target lily bulbs specifically while keeping your roses, shrubs, and perennials happy.
The key is to be precise and patient, no matter which method you choose.
Here are some extra tips to protect your garden while you get rid of lilies.
1. Mark the Area Before You Dig
Before you start digging, mark the spot with stakes or string.
This helps you remember where lilies were so you can check for regrowth later.
It’s especially helpful if you’re getting rid of lilies after they’ve gone dormant and the stems are dead.
You can even take a photo on your phone to remind yourself of the exact location.
2. Water the Soil a Day Before Digging
Dry, hard soil makes digging difficult and increases the chance of breaking bulbs.
Water the area thoroughly the day before you plan to get rid of lilies.
Moist soil is easier to loosen, and bulbs slide out more cleanly without leaving pieces behind.
This simple trick saves you time and frustration in the long run.
3. Dispose of Lily Bulbs Properly
When you get rid of lilies, never toss the bulbs onto your compost pile.
Many lily bulbs can survive composting if the pile doesn’t get hot enough.
Instead, seal them in a plastic bag and throw them in the trash.
You can also burn them if local regulations allow it, but bagging and trashing is the safest bet.
Proper disposal ensures you’re really getting rid of lilies for good.
So, How Do You Get Rid of Lilies in Your Garden?
Getting rid of lilies in your garden is possible, but it takes consistency and the right technique.
Digging up bulbs is the most reliable method, especially for small patches.
Smothering works well for larger areas, and solarization is great for starting fresh.
Herbicides are effective but should be used carefully and only when other options fail.
Whichever way you choose to get rid of lilies, remember to monitor the area for regrowth.
Patience is your best ally when trying to get rid of lilies once and for all.
With these strategies, you can clear your garden of lilies and plant something new.