Dwarfed lilies sometimes happens if you planted late in fall before the lilies could establish themselves. The height issue should correct itself next year.

If the buds are small and in a tight group turn brown and fall off they were probably exposed to late season frost or they can be attacked by boytris in damp weather.

Buds which look healthy will usually "color-up" just before they open. They turn from green to say, white, before opening. The color is often similar to the color of the flower, e.g. red/orange, etc.

Yes i also have the same problem. My lily is only about 5 in tall and small leaves and has about 3 buds which are near fully grown and now has began coloring and beginning to open. Why is this? will it correct itself next year?

Well, the lilies i was talking about are already blooming. The flowers are really pretty, but they look so disproportionate to the plant. Oh, well, hopefully it'll correct itself for next year, that's the thing about lilies these are plants that you care and plan for years in the future.

My lolipops are in their second year and they are actually no taller than they were last year, under 2 feet high. And blooming, seemingly healthy. I don't think they're a terribly tall lily to begin with.

Karen