Hemerocallis sp., Hybrid Daylily has always been popular but with so many cultivars to choose from daylilies are the backbone of many perennial gardens. Daylilies are loved because of their toughness and long-lasting color.

The breeding of daylilies has been growing at a rapid rate. Daylilies are bred for larger flowers, more colors, more flowers, and greater vigor. Some daylilies have been breed for dwarfness. There is such a diverseness of daylilies that if you are still only growing the common orange you are missing what daylilies have to offer.

Daylilies leaves are long and linear like a large grass. Flowers can be up to 3-4 inches across and even fragrant depending on cultivar.

Flowers can be almost any color of the rainbow, except maybe for blue.

Plants can grow 12 inches to 4 feet. Daylilies receive their common name because each flower only lasts one day. Hemerocallis in Greek means "beautiful for a day" which refers to the flowers being short-lived. Often one flower stalk can have up to 20 buds so a daylily can bloom for several weeks. Another way to prolong the flowering of daylilies is to buy early, mid and late blooming daylilies. By planting this way you can flowers blooming from spring to frost. There are some repeat bloomer daylilies like Stella de Oro. But unfortunately the second bloom is very disappointing, only one or two flower stalks. It is thought by many horticulturists better to have several different cultivars that bloom at different times.

Daylilies prefer full sun although some can tolerate partial shade and still bloom. A little shade may be best for pastel color flowers that fade quickly in the summer heat.

Do not over fertilize your daylilies or you will have vigor vegetative growth at the expense of flowers.

Daylilies although considered pest free can be damaged by mites, aphids and thrips. Diseases are few, but rust is becoming a bigger concern.

Daylilies multiple quickly and can by divided in early spring or fall. Daylilies need to be divided at least every four to six years. Plant in well drained soils.

There are many daylily societies and associations if you are interested in starting a collection of these fine plants.

The Wilson Display Garden has several different daylilies. The yellows have bloomed and now a lilac yellow flowering daylily is attractive. The Wilson Display Garden, at 1806 S. Goldsboro Street and is open from dawn until dusk. Come visit the garden!

Gardening questions can be answered, Mondays and Fridays from 1 until 3 PM by calling 237-0113.

Date Created: 7/2/03.

Updated: 8/25/03