ABOUT DAYLILIES
Daylilies are herbaceous perennials with fleshy or fibrous root systems. They are
NOT lilies, and they are NOT bulbs. They come back year after year, increasing in
size to form clumps as they become established.
The botanical name for the genus
"Daylily" is Hemerocallis, derived from two Greek words meaning "beauty" and "day",
referring to the fact that each bloom is only open for one day. With many flower
buds on each scape (leafless flower stem), a mature daylily plant will bloom for
weeks, and by choosing different cultivars that bloom at various times, you can enjoy
daylilies all season long.
Daylilies can be dormant, semi-evergreen or evergreen. Dormants disappear into the
ground each fall while the semi-evergreens and evergreens hold their foliage until
a heavy freeze but in warmer climates will remain green all year. Just as some dormants
are tender, lots of evergreen and semi-evergreen varieties are very hardy here in
Canada.
WHEN AND WHERE TO PLANT
Daylilies can be planted in spring after the ground has thawed and the danger of
a hard frost has passed. In fall, plant at least six weeks before the freezing weather
starts in order to allow time for adequate root formation. To protect your investment,
a layer of mulch should always be used during the first winter! Apply a 6” blanket
of chopped leaves in late fall. It is better to do this AFTER a few freezes so that
any little rodents have already found winter homes elsewhere.
Sunlight: Daylilies love sun - the more the better, but will grow and bloom beautifully
with as little as five hours of full sun each day. Some of the darker colours will
appreciate a bit of protection from the strong afternoon sun.
Soil: Daylilies will thrive in a wide range of soil types, and are very tolerant
of soil pH too. Different pH levels can affect the colours of the blooms, explaining
why blooms can look different in other gardens. Soil should be worked to a depth
of 12” prior to planting. The addition of compost and manure will be ensure their
happiness.
Moisture: Daylilies are very drought tolerant but will certainly appreciate regular
watering, especially during dry spells. Plant them in well-drained soil, avoiding
low-lying areas where they could become waterlogged in melting waters in spring.
Because daylilies have fleshy roots that can store lots of moisture, they are the
perfect plants if you have limited access to water, or are away from your garden
for much of the summer.
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