Daylilies: New Every Morning

Daylilies are a gardener's delight. Faithfully producing dramatic displays of color, these adaptable perennials only improve with age. Even fledgling horticulturalists can enjoy almost immediate with these rewarding and satisfying flowers.

WHAT SORT OF LILIES ARE THESE?

Daylilies (hemerocallis) actually are not lilies at all. The Greek name, Hemerocallis, means "a day of beauty." Each daylily blossom lasts only one day. However, each plant can bloom for more than a month. Established clumps may offer up to 400 blossoms in a single blooming season.

These hardy plants can become established quickly and survive harsh winters. They spread and fill bare areas speedily, making them excellent for borders and ground-covering.

More than 50,000 varieties are available, in every color imaginable. Check with a local nursery to see which species do best in your region.

SELECTING A SPOT

Daylilies prefer direct sunlight, although they will tolerate partial shade. At least six hours of daily sunlight is needed for blooming. Try not to plant daylilies near shrubs, trees, or shady plants.

Moist, well-drained soil is ideal, particularly if it is just a bit acidic.

PLANTING & TRANSPLANTING

Daylilies can be grown from seed. However, the best way to begin with daylilies is to obtain divisions from mature plants. Plants may be divided anytime after flowering. (If you divide daylilies in the spring, you may not see blooms until the following summer.)

Daylilies may be divided every three years.

Trim the foliage to 4" to 5" from the roots. Separate clumps into groups with 3-5 crowns (the stem-root connectors). Daylilies should be planted 15" to 20" apart.

Dig holes slightly larger than root bunches. Enrich the soil with manure or compost. Plant each unit so that the crown peeks about the soil. Water generously.

SPRING MAINTENANCE

Remove dead leaves each spring. Fertilize and mulch in the spring, if desired. (Be sure to leave the crowns exposed to sunlight to stimulate blooming.)

SUMMER CHORES

Water daylilies well, two to three times each week, if it does not rain. They require at least an inch of water each week. Deadheading is not necessary to extend the blooming of daylilies, but it may improve the colorful display. (If the leaves begin to turn yellow, you can pull or trim them as well.)

Break off seed pods, unless you plan to harvest them. Seed production discourages the following year's blooming.

FALL CLEANUP

Weed thoroughly each fall. If weeds or grasses infiltrate your daylilies, you may have to dig them up, clean them out, and replant them.

ENJOYING THE DISPLAY

Daylilies offer trumpet-shaped blooms, which attract orioles, hummingbirds, and butterflies.

Do you have a difficult spot to mow? Fill it in with mixed daylilies. Choose varieties with staggered blooming dates for extended color. These wonderful plants will actually deter weeds from growing!