Question
While helping out in the floral dept of my store for valentines day, I came across 3 beautiful plants I just had to bring home. One was a rubrum lily, the other a hyacinth, and lastly, a wandering jasmine hoop. The lily and hyacinth have since bloomed and withered, but are still alive, and the jasmine is still flourishing, even though the blooms have gone. My jasmine has a couple really long growths that have clearly grown far past the hoop trellis that was provided. Any ideas on how to ensure I get to enjoy these plants next year, too? What do i do with my lilies & hyacinth? I keep getting conflicting information. People tell me to cut the lily to the soil, some tell me to cut just the spent flower off. What is the proper way to store them? I live in Anchorage Ak, so outdoors isn't really an option. I desperately need your advice. Thanks!

Answer
Hi Tiffany,
Thanx for your question.  Generally, hyacinths and rubrum lilies have been forced and the plant is usually done for.  However, you can plant these bulbs outdoors after the last frost.  Hyacinths are hardy from zone 4-8 so they should grow well in a protected place in your zone.  After you plant the bulbs if they do not come back up, they have been spent as a result of the forcing.  If the bulbs do come up, side dress them with some composted cow manure.  The next year, they may not bloom as it takes a lot of energy to be forced to bloom.  As for the jasmine, continue to water it and keep it in a sunny window.  You may want to trim some of the excess growth so it does not become messy.  Once a month of so, feed the plant with a blanced 12-12-12 houseplant fertilizer (usually a liquid in a bottle).  I hope this helps.
Tom