Advice Regarding the Care of Daylily Plants

Overview

Daylilies are perennial flowering plants that vary greatly in appearance depending on species and cultivar. Daylily flowers last only a single day, blooming in the morning and withering that night. A new flower, however, will usually replace the old one the next morning throughout the growing season. Daylilies bloom during summer and produce yellow, orange, pink, red, purple and green flowers. The plants are easy to grow in the home garden and require only minimal care to thrive.

Step 1

Plant daylilies during early spring as soon as the soil is workable. Choose a planting location that has fertile, well-drained soil and receives bright morning sun and partial afternoon shade when temperatures peak. Space plants at least 2 feet apart.

Step 2

Spread a 1-inch layer of mulch over the soil surrounding daylily plants to suppress weeds and insulate the soil. Begin the layer at least 2 inches away from the base of the plants to allow adequate air circulation and room for growth.

Step 3

Water daylily plants twice per week during the first month of growth. Reduce frequency to once per week during spring, summer and fall, and once every 10 days during winter months. Do not allow standing water to accumulate around daylilies or the crown may rot.

Step 4

Feed daylilies by spreading a 2-inch layer of compost around the base of the plants in early spring and again in early fall. Start the layer of compost several inches away from the base of the plants for the best results. As the compost decomposes, it will provide nutrients to the soil.

Step 5

Cut back any stems or leaves that appear brown or spotted to preserve aesthetic appeal and prevent possible disease. Be careful not to damage any other portions of the daylily plants while pruning, or flowering may decline.