Outdoor Lily Brown/Yellow Lower Leaves: Bacterial or Viral, Sanitation Critical

Large outdoor lilies (3–4 ft, 12″ blooms) always have brown/yellow spots on lower leaves.

Two Possibilities

1. Erwinia bacterial leaf spot
2. Viral infection → transmits to corm → kills plant

Protocol

1. Dig corms — if spongy/soft, destroy
2. If firm: cut foliage, wash corms, dry, dust with antifungal powder
3. Dormant 1 month cool/dark
4. Repot in sterile soil
5. Wash hands after handling
6. If recurs: destroy