Lilies belong to the Liliaceae family of plants, and they typically have erect stems and distinctive funnel-shaped flowers. The flowers have six petals and are very diverse and can be in various colors such as white, pink, yellow, orange, red, and purple. The petals are often speckled or textured for added visual appeal.

Many lilies are highly aromatic, especially Asiatic lilies and tulip lilies. These aromas can create a pleasant ambiance in the garden and are often used in flower bouquets or interior decoration.

Lilies are not only used to beautify gardens and as cut flowers, but they are also widely used to celebrate various occasions such as weddings, Mother's Day, and more. They also have certain applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

There are hundreds of different varieties of lilies, each with its own unique features, including differences in flower color, shape, and size. Some common varieties include Asiatic lilies, tulip lilies, rose lilies, hosta lilies, and tiger lilies, to name a few.

Some parts of lilies are poisonous to cats, so if you have pet cats, be careful not to let them come into contact with lilies. Additionally, lilies require proper care after flowering to ensure blooms for the following year.

Lilies don't only bloom once. Lilies are perennials that usually bloom every year, especially if the growing conditions are right. The growth cycle of lilies usually includes the following stages:

1. New shoots in spring: Every spring, lily plants develop new shoots from underground bulbs or bulbs.

2. Vegetative period: After new shoots emerge in spring, the plant enters the vegetative period, forming new leaves and stems.

3. Summer Blooming: Usually in summer, lilies will bloom and display beautiful flowers. Different varieties of lilies may bloom at different times, so choosing multiple varieties will allow the garden to enjoy lily blooms throughout the summer.

4. Autumn dormancy: Lilies will gradually enter the dormancy period in autumn, when the flowers will wither, and the stems and leaves will wither. This stage is when the plant stores energy so it can bloom again the following year.

So, lilies are perennials that bloom every year, and as long as they are given proper care and growing conditions, such as plenty of sunlight, the right amount of water, and fertilizer, they will continue to bloom beautifully.

If you want your lilies to bloom every year, take care of them and give them enough rest and nourishment during their dormant period.

Lilies require proper handling after flowering to ensure plant health and flowering for the following year. Here are some steps for treating lilies:

1. Cut off the withered flowers: Once the lily flowers wither, the flower stems should be cut off in time. This prevents the plant from expending too much energy to form seeds after flowering and instead stores energy underground to support growth and flowering the following year.

2. Cut off withered leaves and stems: In autumn, the leaves and stems of lilies will gradually wither, which is normal. You can carefully trim off these wilted sections, but leave enough leaves to support nutrient storage.

Do not cut into underground bulbs or bulbs, as they need to stay in the soil.

3. Add organic matter: A layer of organic matter, such as well-rotted compost or mulch, can be applied around lilies after they fade. This helps retain moisture and nutrients in the soil while providing extra protection.

4. Continue watering: Even though lilies are going dormant, they still need the right amount of water. In dry weather, make sure the soil remains moderately moist, but don't overwater, which can cause bulb rot.

5. Pest and Disease Control: Continue to monitor plants to ensure there are no pest or disease issues. If problems are found, take appropriate steps to control them.

6. Dividing: If your lily plants are overcrowded, you might consider dividing them in the fall. This helps the plant get more space and nutrients for healthier growth.

7. Continue to provide sunlight: Ensuring that plants still receive sufficient sunlight during the dormant period is critical to storing nutrients and supporting next year's growth.

In summary, post-anthesis lily care involves pruning, maintaining soil and bulb health, and providing proper nutrients and water. Proper care will help ensure that lilies continue to bloom healthily the following year.