Daylilies

aylilies, members of the lily family, are some of the most tolerant and popular of garden perennials. Daylilies vary widely in size and color, and there is a daylily for almost everyone.

The genus name for daylilies is “Hemerocallis”, meaning “beauty for a day”, because individual daylily blossoms last only one day. However, a single plant may produce over 50 flowers in a season. This large number of flowers can extend the blooming period of a plant for several weeks. 

Depending upon the variety, daylily blossoms can range from 2 to 8 inches in diameter. Colors can range from creamy-white to deep mahogany, with nearly every shade of yellow, orange and pink in between. A wide range of heights is available. There are varieties whose stems can reach five feet, and there are dwarf types that produce stems from 12 to 24 inches tall with full-size flowers. Some miniature varieties have smaller flowers, finer foliage, and produce stems only 12 to 18 inches high.

Daylilies have many uses in the garden. They provide a dramatic in a perennial border or foreground for shrubbery plantings. Use them for spectacular foundation plantings, or to cover an unsightly bank or serve as accents beside a patio, pool or other landscape feature. These flowers are also effective when planted in sweeping drifts or masses; they naturalize easily in less formal gardens.

Site Selection

Daylilies are winter hardy and also withstand heat and drought better than many garden flowers. Daylilies will grow well when planted on high banks near streams and ponds. Although they are able to survive periods of flooding, they do not like waterlogged soils and require good drainage.

Daylilies tolerate most soil types, but will grow best in a well drained, sandy loam. To improve poor soil mix compost, manure or other organic matter into the top 12 to 18 inches of soil. Generally, any soil that will grow good vegetables will grow excellent daylilies. A location providing full sun is usually the best place for daylilies, except in hot areas, where it is best to offer plants some afternoon shade.

Propagation and Planting

Daylilies are very easily propagated by the division of old clumps. Clumps should be divided when they become overcrowded, usually every 4 to 6 years. The most favorable time for dividing old clumps and replanting divisions is from late summer to late autumn. Planting may also be done in the very early spring.

When planting divisions, or newly purchased plants, the hole needs to be large enough to allow the roots to spread out. For divisions, a small cone of soil should be made in the center of the hole, and the division placed on top with the roots fanned outward and downward. Carefully work the soil in around the roots. The crown should be set not more than an inch or so below the soil surface. Tall cultivars should be spaced 24 to 30 inches apart with smaller types 18 to 24 inches apart. Keep the young divisions watered, especially during dry spells.

Culture

Daylilies grow easily and with little care. They are one of the most adaptable and self-sufficient flowers available for the garden. Daylilies thrive and bloom on a very meager diet. They have practically no pests or disease problems. Few perennials are less exacting in their demands or require less care.

Daylily clumps will benefit from being lifted, divided and replanted every few years, but if that is not feasible, the plants will still continue to grow with a somewhat less abundant bloom. The plants require little cultivation to keep weeds down, since the plant foliage almost completely shades the ground around it.

Even with all of their toughness, daylilies may benefit from occasional watering during the growing season, especially during dry periods. While daylily flower stems are strong and supple, occasionally a weak plant from benefit from staking.