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All About Daylilies

These flowers only open for one day, hence the name of the flower. Many people don't realize this, as each clump has several stalks in it and each stalk has multiple flower buds. Therefore, daylilies will produce flowers for several weeks. As well, some varieties will bloom for a second time in one season.

Scientific Name: Hemerocallis. The name is Greek and means "beauty for one day" – an apt description, given that each flower only lasts one day.

Origins: They are native to Asia. They now come in a wide variety of colours, but originally, they were only yellow, orange or red.

Care Requirements of Daylilies

Easy. They require very little water during the season. Also, they are resistant to pests and diseases. They need well-drained soil. Add compost or manure once a year in order to add much needed nutrients to the soil. As well, they need full sun, for at least 6 hours each day. If they receive less sun than that, the plant will grow larger leaves and fewer flowers.

Care Tips:

• In spring, remove any dead or damaged foliage. This will encourage healthy growth and makes the plant look nicer.
• Remove dead flowers to encourage the plant to produce new blooms.
• Cut the flower stalk close to ground level, once it no longer produces new flowers.
• In the fall, remove any dead foliage so that the plant will begin to store nutrients in the roots for the winter months.

Lifespan of Daylilies

Daylilies can live for decades. One way to ensure this longevity is to give the roots ample room to spread. As well, it is important that they aren't planted too close to trees. The trees will limit the growth of the daylilies in two ways:

1. The roots of the tree will block the roots from the daylilies; and
2. The tree will provide too much shade.

How to Divide Daylilies

If your daylilies become overgrown or too crowded, you can divide them, otherwise it is not necessary. The best time to divide them is once the plant has finished flowering. Start by using a spade to cut around the plant and then lift the entire clump of soil and roots out of the ground. If you look closely, you will see that there are several plants in the one clump. Each individual plant will have a group of leaves in a tight circle with roots growing below them. Remove as much dirt as you can by shaking the plant and gently washing the remaining dirt away. Separate out the individual plants from the main clump.

How to Plant

Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the plant's root system. Add some compost and place the daylilies in the hole. Check to see that the crown, which is a band of white on the bottom foliage) is about 1 inch below the surface. Gently back fill the hole with soil and press down firmly around the base of the plant with your hands. Do not press down too hard, as this could damage the roots.

Planting Tips:

• Daylilies respond best when they are planted in the spring or fall. However, if you have a daylily in a container, it can be planted at any time. Once they are planted, keep them well watered for the first 6-8 weeks, as the roots become established in their new home.
• Plant them 18 to 24 inches apart to allow room for growth.

 

 

 

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