Daylilies – Low-Maintenance Beauties with Stunning Blooms
Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are among the easiest-care and most fascinating perennials you can grow. Each individual bloom lasts only a single day, which is where the plant gets its name, but the plant keeps producing new buds for weeks on end. With more than 80,000 registered cultivars in nearly every color imaginable, there’s a daylily to suit every taste.
Location and Planting
Daylilies are remarkably adaptable. They thrive in full sun as well as partial shade, though flowering is most abundant in sunny spots. The soil should be rich in humus, well-drained, and not too dry. Plant daylilies in spring or fall, spacing them 50 to 70 cm (20 to 28 inches) apart. The crown of the plant should sit only about 2 to 3 cm (around an inch) below the soil surface.
Care and Fertilizing
Daylilies are remarkably undemanding. A single application of compost or a slow-release organic fertilizer in spring is usually enough. Water only during extended dry spells. Deadhead spent blooms regularly — this encourages more flowers and keeps the plant looking tidy. Once flowering has finished, you can cut the flower stalks back to the ground.
The Loveliest Daylily Varieties
| Variety | Color | Bloom Time | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hemerocallis ‘Stella de Oro’ | Golden yellow | June-October | 30-40 cm |
| Hemerocallis ‘Chicago Apache’ | Deep red | July-August | 70-80 cm |
| Hemerocallis ‘Frans Hals’ | Orange/yellow | June-July | 60-70 cm |
| Hemerocallis ‘Gentle Shepherd’ | Pure white | July-August | 70-80 cm |
Dividing and Propagating Daylilies
Every three to five years, you should divide your daylilies to keep them blooming freely. The best time to do this is in spring or fall. Dig up the entire clump and use a sharp spade to divide it into fist-sized sections. Each division should have at least three sturdy shoots. Replant the divisions right away and water them in well.
