From our perspective as daylilies (Hemerocallis), we are remarkably adaptable plants, but to truly thrive and put on a spectacular show for you, we have some simple preferences. First and foremost, we adore the sun. We crave at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. While we can tolerate a bit of afternoon shade, especially in very hot climates, ample sunshine is the primary fuel for our vibrant blooms. When it comes to our foundation, well-drained soil is non-negotiable. Our fleshy roots despise sitting in constant moisture, which leads to rot. If your garden soil is heavy clay, please consider amending it with compost or planting us in a raised bed. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0 to 7.0) makes us very happy, as it allows us to efficiently absorb the nutrients we need from the earth.
The best time to plant us in most American gardens is either in the early spring, as soon as the ground is workable, or in the early fall, about six weeks before the first hard frost is expected. This gives our root systems a gentle temperature window to establish themselves without the stress of summer's heat or winter's freeze. When you bring us home, if we are a bare-root plant, please soak our roots in water for an hour or two before planting to rehydrate us. Dig a hole that is wider than our root spread and deep enough so that the crown—the point where the roots meet the leaves—will be about one inch below the soil surface. Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole, spread our roots out over this mound, and then backfill with the native soil, gently firming it around us. A generous drink of water after planting will help settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Once settled, our life cycle begins anew. Our roots, which are storage organs, will immediately start drawing moisture and nutrients to support new growth. You will first see strap-like leaves (our scapes) emerge from the crown. As we mature, these scapes will grow tall and develop multiple buds. Each beautiful bloom typically lasts only one day—hence our name, "daylily"—but a healthy plant will produce a succession of buds over several weeks. After the flowering period, our focus returns to the roots and leaves, storing energy for the next season. It's important to leave our foliage intact until it yellows and dies back naturally in the fall; this process is crucial for photosynthesis and energy storage.
While we are known as low-maintenance plants, a little care goes a long way in ensuring our health and vigor. Water us deeply about once a week, more frequently during hot, dry spells. A layer of mulch around our base (but not touching the crown) helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. We are not heavy feeders, but an application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the early spring as we break dormancy will give us a welcome boost. Every few years, you may notice that our clumps have become overcrowded, leading to fewer flowers. This is our way of asking to be divided. The best time for this is after flowering in the late summer or early fall. Simply dig up the entire clump, gently separate the fans of leaves with their attached roots, and replant the divisions as described above.
