Arum lillies. And Hollyhocks seeds

[Primrose]

I'm after some advice on whether to prune back the leaves of a newly grown clump of arum lillies (Zantedeschia - the large white ones you see in churches at Easter). This is my first year growing them and disappointingly no flowers were produced. The leaves have been trampled down by wood pigeons and look a mess. They're now tied up and supported with sticks but I don't know whether the leaves are evergreen or not.

Oh and can I sow Hollyhocks seeds now to germinate and overwinter, or should I wait I til next spring?

[Johnboy]

Hi Primrose.
Hollhocks
You have only just missed the optimum period for sowing which is July and August but I should sow your seed as soon as you possibly can now.
The next period for sowing is in February to June under heated conditions but that would be for flowering in 2016 with the odd occurance of a blooming late in the year of sowing. These plants never get any height and are never really any good the following year.
I'm afraid Lillies have never interested me and therefore am unable to assist you,
Sincerely,
JB.

[Primrose]

Thanks JB. I sowed the Hollyhocks seeds a couple of weeks ago, so will wait and see what happens.

[Westi]

I cut my lilies down as soon as they droop & look untidy. I did mine about 2 weeks ago & I notice there are already fresh shoots coming up. They will turn to mush if I get a heavy frost but they just keep coming up again in spring & get bigger clumps even when this happens.

Westi

[Primrose]

Thanks Westi. Wasn't sure whether the leaves had to be left on, rather like daffodil leaves, to avoid draining the bulbs of nutrients. Mine have all been trampled down by squirrels and wood pigeons because they are too close to one of our bird feeders. (Bad positioning on the part of Management !!)