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Daylilies

by Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension Professor,University of Vermont    

Daylilies, in their many splendid colors and forms, have become a popular perennial in many Vermont gardens. But if the truth be known, daylilies are nothing but wildflowers that have become cultivated.

Today more than 30,000 varieties have been developed by plant breeders and registered with the American Hemerocallis Society. These range in color from the most common reds and oranges to varying shades of yellows, blues, and deep purples.

The daylily belongs to the genus Hemerocallis and, although a popular American landscape plant, actually had its origins in the Orient. It flowers prolifically, even in the heat of summer, with some clumps sporting as many as 200 to 300 blooms during the season. Individual blooms generally last only one or two days.

The plant is a favorite with Vermont gardeners as it adapts readily to a wide range of soil, temperature, and light conditions and is generally quite hardy and free from serious insect problems. It's an excellent plant for beds and borders, but choose your location carefully as these tall-growing plants (one to three feet in height) may shade low-to-the-ground flowers and landscape plants.

Ideally, daylilies prefer well-drained soil and bright, sunny locations. Flowers will open to face the sun or bright light, so place them with this in mind. A warm, sheltered, south-facing site may speed up bloom time slightly and will yield good results.

Daylilies are voracious feeders when actively growing and require sufficient fertilizer and moisture prior to bloom time for best bloom. Apply granular, organic liquid-soluble or foliar-applied fertilizers according to label directions.

One nice thing about daylilies is that they can be planted almost any time the soil can be worked. However, early spring and late summer are the best times for transplanting.

To propagate this perennial, divide an established clump. Work carefully to avoid damage to the roots. Set the crown (where the root and stem join) about one to two inches below the soil surface, spacing plants 18 to 24 inches apart. If plants are set out during mid-summer, cut the tops back to within four to six inches of the base.

Be careful not to set plants too deeply, however, since they may become stunted and will lack vigor. Keep your new planting weed-free until plants become well established. Best flowering usually occurs two to four years after planting.

Bloom time varies from July through October depending on the variety. Some of the best varieties for northern gardens are Mary Todd and Stella de Oro (gold); Hyperion and Bitsy (yellow); Becky Lynn and Catherine Woodbery (pink); Apple Tart and Red Rum (red); Gentle Shepherd and Joan Senior (near white); Prairie Blue Eyes (lavender); and Bertie Ferris and Ruffled Apricot (orange varieties). Check with your local nursery for other varieties suitable for your area.