Are you looking for an easy-to-grow perennial that comes in a very large variety of color choices (80,000 registered plants), is somewhat drought tolerant, and that Japanese Beetles ignore? Daylilies are the plant for you.
The Latin name, Hermerocallis means “beautiful for a day”, but don’t let that fool you. While each bloom only lasts for one day, the multiple stalks on each plant will keep producing flowers for several weeks. If you choose plants from the early, mid, and late season categories, your bloom time will be extended even longer.
Daylilies are remarkably self-sufficient plants when grown in the conditions they prefer. According to Jennifer Fishburn, Extension Educator, they like well-drained, moderately fertile soil, but will survive in a wide range of soil conditions. The blossoms will be most prolific if the plants receive an inch of water/week, however, they will still bloom with less. Deadheading the spent flowers will also encourage repeat blooms, but the plants will still flower without pinching off the old, just not as prolifically. Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10.
But wait, the good news continues. Daylilies have few insect and disease problems. Yay! If you notice damaged leaves, cut them off the plant. Ascetically, once the flower stalks, which on day lilies are really flower scapes because they are leafless, are finished producing flowers for the year, they can be removed. Cut them off at the base of the scape to keep the plant looking nice the remainder of the season. You can also let it go completely tan, then pull them out. There will be resistance, but then with a pop, out it comes. I find it quite fun. However, removing them immediately by pruning looks better. Leave the remainder of the plant as is to continue to photosynthesize to provide energy for next year’s floral display.
Finally, daylilies can replace grass on hard-to-mow slopes. That is one reason you see them in the country along deep-ditched farm fields.
To recap, daylilies grow in a variety of conditions, including light, soil, and water. The color selection is vast, few pests bother them, and they require a minimum of upkeep. So, I agree with Paul Epson when he said, “If you give someone a daylily and they kill it, they really shouldn’t be gardening.”
For any questions on daylilies or gardening, call or email the Edgar County Extension Master Gardeners at 217-465-8585 or schiver@illinois.edu.
Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities. Illinois Extension is part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.