Welcome, caretaker. We are the Daylilies (Hemerocallis). To help us thrive and reward you with our vibrant, joyful blooms, understanding our relationship with water is paramount. We are resilient plants, but our needs are specific. This guide will explain our hydration preferences from our perspective.
Water is the very essence of our life. We use it for every critical function. Our extensive root systems, which you call "fans," absorb water and dissolved nutrients from the soil, transporting them up through our stems to our leaves and, eventually, to our flower buds. This process, known as transpiration, also keeps our foliage turgid, upright, and strong. Without adequate water, this system fails. Our leaves wilt, our flower buds (scapes) may abort before opening, and our overall vitality plummets, making us susceptible to pests and diseases.
We do not appreciate a rigid schedule. Our thirst is dictated by the sun, temperature, and soil, not the calendar. The best time to check on us is in the morning. Feel the soil about 2-3 inches down near our base. If it feels dry to the touch, it is time for a drink. If it is still cool and moist, we are content. Please avoid watering us in the evening. Wet foliage overnight is an open invitation for fungal diseases like leaf streak, which we find quite unpleasant. Watering in the morning allows our leaves to dry quickly under the sun.
We crave deep, infrequent watering over frequent, shallow sprinkles. A light splash only moistens the top inch of soil, encouraging our roots to grow upwards towards the surface, where they are vulnerable to heat and drought. Instead, please provide a slow, deep soak that penetrates at least 6-8 inches into the ground. This encourages our roots to grow deep and strong, establishing a resilient and drought-tolerant plant. Aim the water at our base, not our foliage. Soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems are our preferred method, as they deliver water directly to our root zone efficiently and without waste.
Our water requirements are not constant throughout the year. In the spring, as we emerge and begin building our flower scapes, we need consistent moisture to support this massive growth effort. During the peak of summer heat and our main blooming period, our thirst is greatest. Pay close attention to us during hot, dry, or windy spells. However, once our spectacular show is over and we begin to store energy in our roots for next year, you can reduce watering, relying more on natural rainfall. In the winter, while we are dormant, we need very little water at all.
We will communicate our state clearly if you know how to look. If we are thirsty, our leaves will become limp, wilt, and may start to yellow or brown at the tips. Our flower buds might feel soft and drop off instead of opening. Conversely, if our roots are sitting in constantly soggy, poorly drained soil, we will suffer from root rot. You will see our leaves turning yellow, starting from the base, and our overall growth will be stunted and mushy. This is a serious condition we must avoid. The goal is moist, well-drained soil, not wet or waterlogged.
