Growing Hemerocallis (Daylily)

Pronunciation: hem-er-oh-kal'iss

Exceptionally easy, long-lived, hardy, pest-resistant, quick to multiply—every hue but blue. Uses: specimens, massed slopes, carefree groundcover, dwarf containers. Each flower lasts one day, but succession blooms over long periods. Early, mid, late, and reblooming varieties enable near-continuous summer color.

Planting

Dig hole for roots. Spread thick roots, crown 1" below soil. Firm soil around roots, press crown down with both hands.

Light & Water

Full sun North; same in South with moisture. Partial shade preferred for pastel varieties. Drought-tolerant once established; best with consistent moisture.

Soil & Fertilizer

Well-drained loam, near-neutral pH. Organic matter boosts blooms; older hybrids tolerate sand. Light fertilizer once established—avoid high nitrogen. Summer mulch retains moisture, buffers temperature.

Pests & Diseases

Highly resistant. Thrips: distort blooms, corky lesions on scapes. Insecticidal soap; remove infested buds. Spider mites: hot, dry weather. Forceful water spray or insecticide. Yellowing/brown tips: normal post-bloom senescence. Groom regularly; cut to ground if unsightly—fresh foliage returns.

Companions

Sun: Platycodon, rudbeckia, liatris, shasta daisy, echinacea. Shade: Ferns, hosta, solomon's seal. Clever combo: Underplant with daffodils—daylily foliage hides dying bulb foliage, two bloom seasons, minimal maintenance.

Reblooming & Dividing

Rebloomers need daily deadheading. All types: snap spent flowers daily; cut entire scape after all buds pass. Divide every 3–5 years (rebloomers every 2—new growth supports rebloom). Two spading forks back-to-back make it easy. Transplant anytime soil workable, water well.

End-of-Season

Cut back to ground or pull off. Very cold-hardy (except some evergreens). Winter mulch optional.

Calendar of Care

• Early Spring: Light balanced/low-N fertilizer or compost side-dress at new growth. Divide/transplant as needed.
• Mid-Spring: Water if unseasonably dry.
• Late Spring: Daily deadheading. Watch for thrips.
• Summer: Continue deadheading, remove spent scapes. Groom yellow/dead leaves. 1" water/week. 2–3" mulch (1" from crowns). Monitor spider mites.
• Fall: Cut foliage to ground.