How to Grow and Care for Hemerocallis (Daylilies)

Daylilies are so named because each individual flower lasts only a day. They grow anywhere in the garden but perform best in reasonably moist soil—luxuriant additions to bog gardens. Their appeal is enhanced by being easy to grow and propagate.

Hemerocallis has received enormous attention from European and North American hybridists over the past century. Early 1900s growers raised many beautiful varieties, encouraging dozens more hybridists—several thousand named forms created. Many disappeared, surpassed by newer forms. Still, well over 300 varieties available today (many more in the USA, where some gardening sections regard them as cult plants).

A red and yellow Daylily (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Individual trumpet-shaped flowers aren't particularly attractive alone, especially when a day old and fading. Real beauty appears in mass blooms. Single-colored varieties are more attractive than those with color concentrated inside the trumpet (only visible end-on). Nearly all yellow varieties are scented; most others lack this.

Single-colored flowers with color repeated on the trumpet exterior give a more effective impression and impressive border statement. Beware some 'red' varieties (no true scarlet/carmine yet): they can look scrappy en masse, adding nothing positive.

Rushy leaves are a feature in spring: brightest green, arching, growing almost 3cm (1in) daily. At flowering, leaves fully complement trumpet flowers on smooth stems.

Several species available, mostly in specialists' gardens/nurseries. Earliest color (late spring): dwarf Hemerocallis dumortierii with yellow flowers lasting weeks. H. citrina and H. lilioasphodelus: charming fragrant yellow species for late spring/early summer. H. multiflora: pale orange-yellow flowers in profusion midsummer to mid-autumn.

Best garden hybrids: H. 'Orangeman' (1906) deep orange. H. 'Hyperion' (50+ years) still in demand for clear color, large yellow flowers; newer outstanding yellow: H. 'Lark Song'. H. 'Black Magic' deep ruby mahogany. H. 'Contessa' light orange. H. 'Bonanza' soft yellow dwarf, matches deeper H. 'Golden Chimes' (also dwarf). H. 'Dubloon' (sometimes 'Golden Orchid') rich gold. Old variety H. 'Pink Damask' still among closest to true pink. Other excellent forms: H. 'Little Wine Cup' (burgundy red, yellow throat), H. 'Cream Drop' (small creamy yellow), H. 'Buzz Bomb' (deep velvety red), H. 'Chartreuse Magic' (canary yellow and green).

Only a handful of double-flowered varieties—don't generally add much. Arguably best double: H. fulva 'Fiore Pleno' (reddish orange).

Plant daylilies mid-autumn to mid-spring. Enrich soil in advance; once established, general fertilizer and spring mulching help fine flowers.

Preferred site: full sun or light shade (heavy shade depresses flowering). Most soils tolerated; best in rich, loamy soil.

Maintenance: cut dead flowerstalks to base after last flowers fade. Cut all foliage to soil level in autumn—left foliage becomes untidy winter mess.

Propagation: lift and divide overgrown plants autumn or spring. Alternatively, sow seed in containers in cold frame/greenhouse autumn or spring.