Daylilies That Win in the West: Regional Performance Guide

Why is the daylily (Hemerocallis hybrids) the West's most popular perennial? It thrives in virtually every Western climate:

• Pacific Northwest: Luxurious foliage; choose tall-stemmed varieties to see flowers above leaves.
• Northern California: Ideal rainfall-sun balance.
• Coastal Southern California: Blooms prolifically, even outflowering roses.
• Hot Inland Valleys: Foliage shorter, flowers just as abundant.
• Cold Intermountain: Deciduous varieties hardy to -35°F.
• Southwest Deserts: Survive well with afternoon shade and ample water.

Daylilies are also pest-free (no significant diseases or insects; gophers and deer ignore them) and incredibly resilient—even trampling or mowing barely fazes them. Variety abounds: beyond yellows and oranges, find romantic pinks, lavenders, dramatic reds, purples, and exotic browns. Foliage ranges from grass-fine to corn-coarse.

Planting and Care

In most Western climates, plant bare-root or container plants spring through mid-autumn. In deserts, wait for fall's cooler soil. Give the sunniest spot (filtered shade or eastern exposure in deserts). Amend soil with compost. Water amply during growing season for generous bloom.

Sources

• Amador Flower Farm, Plymouth, CA; (209) 245-6660
• Caprice Farm Nursery, Aumsville, OR; (503) 749-1397
• Cordon Bleu Daylilies, San Marcos, CA; (760) 744-8367
• Greenwood Daylily & Iris Garden, Somis, CA; (562) 494-8944
• Shepard Iris Garden, Phoenix; (602) 841-1231
• Snow Creek Daylilies, Port Townsend, WA; (360) 765-4342