Daylilies - Garden Basics - Flower - Perennial

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Plant Information Botanical Name: Hemerocallis
Life Cycle: Perennial
Planting Time: Spring or Fall
Height: Varies. Tall, Standard and Dwarf sizes are available
Exposure: Full sun or part shade.
Soil: Fertile, well-drained, neutral pH.
Hardiness: 4-9, with some variation.
Bloom Time: Varies. See below.
Propagation: Division
Uses: Dwarfs: edgings, rock gardens
Standards: Mass plantings, beds and borders, foundations

Etc.

• The bloom season varies depending on the variety. Check the varieties below, and choose an early, midseason, and late variety for a long season of blooms.
• Daylily foliage stays neat and attractive even when the plant isn't in bloom, making this a very useful plant in almost any setting.

Planting Tips

• Daylilies can be planted in fall or spring, but you'll get a better first year of blooms from those planted in the fall.
• Dig a hole a little wider and deeper than the plant container.
• Moisten the soil to make removal of the plant easier. Remove the plants gently, keeping as much of the soil on the roots as possible.
• Place the plant in the hole and fill with soil. Press down firmly to remove air pockets.
• Water well and keep moist until frost to encourage strong root development.
• Mulch generously around plants in areas that receive heavy frost.

Uses
Daylilies are among the most versatile flowering plants available. They perform equally well in sun or partial shade, beds or borders, and have attractive, lance shaped foliage that won't fade when the flowers are not in bloom. These easy-to-grow perennials are relatively pest free, and most varieties multiply quickly. The flowers last only a day, but daylilies offer a constant succession of blooms. Most will flower for several weeks.

10 Easy-Care Perennials
This booklet will introduce you to 10 beautiful perennials that are undemanding, wonderfully versatile, and adaptable to a variety of growing conditions. They’re not particularly fussy about soil conditions, and they can tolerate both drought and overwatering, as long as they have adequate drainage. These wonders of the perennial world grow quickly, require little maintenance, and reward you with a kaleidoscope of color and gorgeous foliage year after year.

The uses for daylilies are virtually limitless. They look great as a background planting behind lower growing annuals and perennials or set in front of tall shrubbery or fences. Try planting them as an edging along walks or in masses where they'll provide a colorful display between the spring and late summer flowers. They also work well in a naturalized setting around streams and ponds or on slopes where the strong root systems will help hold the soil in place. Miniature varieties are available for pots and planters.

Dividing Daylilies
Dividing large clumps of daylilies is an easy way to add quantity to the garden. Trading and sharing daylily divisions with friends and relatives is a great way to add variety to your collection. Clumps can be divided every four to six years by separating the plant into rooted segments, each with about 3 shoots. This division is referred to as a fan. Because the root system is so vigorous you may need an ax to separate the pieces. The best time to divide your plants is in spring as new growth is emerging or in September. Avoid dividing blooming plants.

Eating Daylilies
Daylily leaves and flowers are edible, but pick only from plants you know have not been sprayed with insecticide or fungicide. Young foliage (three to five inches long) can be simmered or stir-fried. Flower buds and blossoms can be consumed at all stages or their growth. Tight buds can be used in salads, boiled, pickled or stir-fried. Half-open and fully-open blooms can be dipped in a light batter and deep fried. Young flowers and buds can be strung and air dried. These are commonly referred to as "golden needles" in Chinese cooking. Before using, soak the dried flowers in warm water for a few minutes to soften.