The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Daylilies are easy-to-grow perennials popular for borders and edging.
They are drought-tolerant and grow in most soils.
The flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Daylilies are toxic to cats.
Daylily Care
Daylily Tips for Beginners
Planting
The spacing depends on your patience.
To naturally let them grow together over 10 to 15 years, space bare roots about 3 feet apart.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
For a clump that fills in earlier, space daylilies about 18 inches apart.
If the soil is poor, amend it with compost before planting.
Light
Daylilies lovefull sun(at least six hours each day).
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Soil
Daylilies thrive in all types of soil but prefer fertile andloamysoil.
Just double-check the soil retains moisture well (adding compost helps).
Also, ensure that the site is well-draining to prevent root rot.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Water
Water daylilies regularly in the first growing season.
Moving forward, only water about 1 inch per week during extended dry spells.
Mulching helps retain moisture in the soil, plus it protects the plants in colder winter climates.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Temperature and Humidity
Daylilies are tough plants that tolerate a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels.
Fertilizer
Most daylilies do not need fertilizer.
Instead, for added nutrients, add compost to the soil around the plants in each growing season.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Types of Daylilies
There are thousands of daylily cultivars and varieties.
The most popular daylilies include:
How Invasive Are Daylilies?
After flowering, remove the seed capsules and cut the flowering stems to the ground.
Also, remove any yellowing leaves throughout the growing season to encourage the production of new leaves.
Pruning Tip
No pruners?
Propagating Daylilies
Propagating daylilies is typically done through division.
Divide them every three or four years in either fall or very early spring.
For that reason, it makes the most sense to only start daylily species such asH.
Start the seeds indoors or sow them directly in the soil in the fall.
Here’s how to start daylilies from seed indoors:
Overwintering
Daylilies do not require winter protection.
The foliage dies back after the first frost.
Adding a layer of straw or leaf mulch before winter helps the plant withstand freeze-and-thaw cycles.
Common Pests
Daylilies are generally pest-free.
Evenrabbits avoid them, although deer may find the entire plant tasty.
Prevent the occasionalslugsand snails by picking up leaf litter around the crown of the plant.
Check in early spring for anyaphidsaround the first buds and be on the lookout forspider mitesorthripsin hotter weather.
Control and eliminate insect pests withinsecticidal soap.
Most daylilies bloom from June to July.
For a long-lasting display of flower every season, mix daylilies with different bloom times and bloom habits.
What do Daylilies Look and Smell Like?
Daylilies typically have wide petals with have straight or frilly edges.
Some types are more sweetly fragrant than other types.
Common Problems With Daylilies
Daylilies are strong, relatively carefree plants, but sometimes problems arise.
double-check the plants get at least one inch of water per week.
Daylilies prefer to grow in full sun with a minimum of six hours of sunlight a day.
In a warmer climate, light shade is fine to protect them from the harsh afternoon sun.
The best place to plant daylilies is any location where the soil is well-drained.
That can be a slope where other plants have trouble establishing or along a walkway.
Whether they bloom all summer depends on the variety.
If you want daylilies to bloom all summer, see to it to plant a reblooming variety.
Common Daylily.Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health.
