Homegrown: Reliable Daylillies

Jane Schildroth, Iowa State University, Linn County Extension Master Gardener Intern, sent the following information:

 No doubt you have been enjoying the swaths of color that daylilies have been providing in your garden or in your neighborhood lately.  Daylilies are popular because they require so little effort and last for years – and now there are well over 12,000 varieties from which to choose.  You don't need to stick with orange and you can expand well beyond the popular ‘Stella de Oro.' 

 Hemerocallis, the botanical name, means “beautiful for a day” in Greek.  Even though each flower lasts only a day, with some varieties you can see bloom after bloom for three or perhaps as many as 10 weeks.  Some bloom in late spring, some in mid-summer and others in late summer up to frost (these later ones may actually be re-blooming).  The flowers themselves can be miniature (less than 2 inches across) to huge (over 8 inches) and can vary widely in color and design of the eyes and throat.

 You will likely see the most stunning displays when the plants enjoy full sun and well-drained soil.  A spring application of a10-10-10fertilizer should take care of your easy-going daylilies and you shouldn't need to water unless we have drought conditions.  Organic mulches such as shredded leaves, grass clippings or wood chips will help the plants thrive.  Remove the spent flowers regularly unless you want seeds and clean up any dead foliage to keep the environment healthy around your plants.

 If you want to divide your daylilies or happily accept some from a friend, wait until September or next spring, just as the new growth is popping up.  Every 4-6 years is a good interval to wait before dividing and then the whole clump should be dug.  Separate the clump into segments that have at least 3 shoots.  You may need some power behind your spade or knife to cut through the clumps.  If you are planting in late summer, be sure to cut the foliage back to 6-8 inches.  Allow 2 feet between the plants and set each plant so the crown is about one inch below the surface of the soil.

 Be sure to pay attention to the height of the plants you acquire so you can place the taller varieties in the back of your flower bed.  Because of their vigorous roots, daylilies are a good choice on a slope and the miniature or low-growing varieties will even work in your containers.  Hopefully now you won't need to admire daylilies from afar.  Experiment with the many varieties and next summer you'll reap the benefits with the July and August boost to your garden color!