Daylilies

Daylilies are the workhorses of perennial gardens. They fill in spaces where nothing else can fit, bloom reliably and stay green for the summer. Don’t be fooled into thinking that they are only yellow; they come in a dazzling array of colors to complement any palate.

It may come as a surprise to some readers, but daylilies are not true lilies. True lilies are in the genus ‘Lilium’ and grow from fleshy bulbs with overlapping scales, typically having one tall stem. Daylilies are in the genus ‘Hemerocallis’, from the Greek words “hemera” meaning day and “kallos” meaning beauty. The name is appropriate since each flower lasts only one day. Because they have multiple blossoms per plant, it appears that they last longer.

Daylilies grow 1-4 feet tall and produce an abundance of blooms over 4-8 weeks, including through the heat of the summer. Some of the newer varieties bloom in the evening and last until the following evening.

Daylilies are rugged and adaptable, growing in almost any soil conditions. They will do best in moist, well drained soils. An inch of water per week will keep these plants producing blooms with healthy results. More water may be necessary in sandy soil. Full sun is the best, but partial shade will work as well. A minimum of 6 hours of sun will yield the best results for these beauties. The one place they should never be planted is beneath trees. They will compete for water and nutrients to the detriment of the tree. Once established, they will require little care beyond spring clean-up and occasional division when they outgrow their space.

There are three types of daylilies based on their growth patterns. The most common and hardiest are the dormant daylilies that die back at the end of the season. Additionally, there are evergreen and semi-evergreen cultivars that will remain green throughout the winter. Be sure to choose ones that are hardy in Zone 5.

With over 35,000 registered cultivars on the market today, it is difficult to believe that there is not one for every perennial garden. There are specialty nurseries that carry literally thousands of cultivars in a rainbow of colors, including purple, lavender, pink, red, orange, yellow, white and everything in between. Some have different colored ruffled edges, flower sizes range from 2 to 14 inches, and bloom time can vary from June to August.

When planting daylilies, work the soil up and incorporate some compost before putting the plant in.  Dig the hole wide enough that the roots can be spread out without bending or crowding them.  Place the plant in the hole so that the crown in one inch below the soil line and fill the hole, lightly packing it down.  Mulching around the plant is a good idea to retain moisture and inhibit weed growth.

If it is time to divide a daylily, dig up the entire plant and gently pull apart the fans.  Cut the foliage back to 5-6 inches and plant as described above. Early spring is the best time for division, but fall will also work as long as sufficient time is allowed for root establishment.

Care for these plants is minimal. In the early spring, remove the old growth from the plants. Remove spent blooms throughout the summer to prevent seed production. Otherwise, just sit back and enjoy the show.

Carol Shirk

Certified Master Gardener