Greetings, fellow gardener. I am Hemerocallis, though you likely know me as the Daylily. I am a resilient and joyful plant, eager to fill your garden with vibrant color from my countless blossoms. To help me thrive and show my full potential, here is what you need to know from my perspective.
First, choose a spot where I can settle in comfortably. I am not overly fussy about soil, but I truly flourish in a well-drained home that is rich in organic matter. Before you plant me, please work some compost or aged manure into the earth; it’s like preparing a soft, nutritious bed for my roots. I adore the sun! For the most vigorous growth and the greatest number of my beautiful flowers, I need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. While I can tolerate a bit of shade, especially in very hot climates, too much shadow will make me produce fewer blooms. When planting my bare-root divisions, create a wide, shallow hole. Place me so that the crown—where my roots meet my leaves—is about an inch below the soil surface. Gently spread my roots out, backfill the hole, and give me a deep, satisfying drink of water to help me settle in.
While I am known for my drought tolerance once established, consistent moisture is the secret to my best performance. During my first growing season, please water me regularly to help my root system develop strong and deep. After that, a deep watering once a week is usually sufficient, but I will need more during periods of extreme heat or drought. The goal is to keep my soil moist but never soggy; my roots dislike sitting in water. To encourage my spectacular floral display, I appreciate a balanced meal. In early spring, as I begin my growth, feed me with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer. Another light feeding after my main blooming period is over will help me recharge and prepare for the next season.
Each of my individual flowers lasts for just one glorious day—hence my common name. To keep my clump looking tidy and to encourage more flower buds to open, simply snap off the spent blooms daily. Once a flower stalk (my scape) has finished blooming, you can cut it back to the base. Every few years, I may become a bit crowded. You'll notice my center clump producing fewer flowers. This is a sign that I need to be divided. The best time for this is in early spring or late summer. Carefully dig up my entire clump, and use a sharp spade or knife to divide me into smaller sections, each with healthy roots and several fans of leaves. Replant these divisions, and you’ll have rejuvenated me and created new plants for other parts of your garden!
As autumn arrives and my leaves begin to yellow and brown, you can trim my foliage back to within a few inches of the ground. This helps keep my area neat and reduces hiding places for pests over the winter. I am a hardy soul, and in most US climates, I require no special winter protection. A layer of mulch applied after the ground freezes can help prevent heaving from freeze-thaw cycles, but in general, I will rest peacefully beneath the snow, gathering energy for my triumphant return in the spring.
