did you know?

The botanical name for daylily, means "day beauty" in Greek. The genus was so named in 1793 by Linnaeus, the father of taxonomy, because each flower lasts only one day, though the bloom time for each plant can last several weeks. Modern hybrids are descended from the tawny-orange daylily which has naturalized along roadsides and streams.

general maintenance:

Deadhead spent flowers. Once all the flowers on the scape (flower stalk) are done, cut scape to ground. (If foliage browns or looks messy after bloom, it may be cut to the ground, too, to induce a flush of fresh, green foliage.) Cut foliage to the ground in fall after frost or before new growth resumes in the spring. Divide plants every 3–5 years, ideally after plant has flowered, or in early spring or early fall, at least a month before first frost.

pests/diseases:

Generally disease resistant, but in some areas aphids, thrips, slugs, and snails may be a problem.

controls:

Use insecticidal soap on aphids and thrips and diatomaceous earth or shallow dishes filled with beer for slugs.

how to sow/plant:

In Zones 2–3, plant in spring. In Zones 9–10, plant in early spring or fall. Elsewhere, plant at least a month before first frost; don't plant during the hottest weeks of summer. Daylilies prefer full sun (6 hours per day) but tolerate afternoon shade in hot regions. Choose a site with fertile, well-drained soil, and amend with well-rotted manure or compost. Set container-grown plants at the same depth they were in the pot, spacing 18–24 inches apart. Water upon planting; mulch to conserve moisture.

water and fertilize:

Water established plants regularly from spring until flower buds develop; monitor soil moisture all season. In early spring, feed with all-purpose fertilizer, following package directions.

garden hint:

To extend bloom time for flowers from early summer to early fall, select reblooming types and cultivars with bloom seasons from extra early through very late. The deep colors of some purple and red cultivars may fade in afternoon sun; to maintain color, select a site that receives afternoon shade.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Disease Resistant
• Night Blooming
• Shade Tolerant

garden uses:

• Edging
• Ground Cover
• Naturalizing

other uses:

• Culinary/Edible (flowers and young stalks)
• prepare and eat young flower stalks like asparagus and blooms like squash blossoms

combine with:

yarrow tickseed stonecrop and other sun-loving perennials. In part shade, combine with coral bells plantain lilies and ferns.