What is a Daylily?

A Daylily is a perennial plant with a fibrous root system and is considered to be the easiest perennial to grow. Hemerocallis comes from the Greek and means 'Beauty for a Day'. While each bloom lasts for only one day, the number of buds on each flower scape will keep you in blooms for weeks and with the number of cultivars which bloom at various times, you can enjoy their flowers all season long.

Cultivation Requirements
Daylilies do quite well in any good garden soil and prefer a pH in the 5.5 to 7 range. The soil should be worked to a depth of at least 12 inches. It should be moisture retentive but not remain soggy. While Daylilies are 'heavy feeders', it is best to start with a soil of medium fertility and top dress with compost.

Daylilies prefer direct sunlight or partial shade with at least 4 to 6 hours of sun each day. Some of the darker reds and purples benefit from shade during the hottest part of the day. Daylilies have fleshy roots making them very drought tolerant, but they will reward you with many more blooms if they are adequately watered during bud formation and blooming. If you don't  have access to adequate water during the summer then mulch to retain soil moisture.

 Planting
Daylilies can be planted at any time from early May until early September. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots fully spread out; make a mound in the center of the hole, place the plant on this and spread the roots out and down. Water them in well. Cover the roots with soil to a depth not greater than 2" above the crown (the area where the roots meet the base of the plant). If the plant is buried too deeply it may not bloom. Be sure the soil is well packed around the roots so that the plant does not sink into the ground as the soil settles. Continue to water them well until new growth starts and they are established.

Daylilies can be left in place for many years, so allow at least 12 to 16 inches of space around each plant. They can be planted closer together if you want the space to fill in quickly, but will need to be divided sooner. While most plants will bloom the first year, they will not reach their full potential until the second year.

When Your Plants Arrive
Our advice is to get them in the ground as soon as soon as you can, preferably on the day they arrive. If you are unable to plant them for a few days, place the shipping box in a cool, shady spot.  You may, soak them for an hour or so before planting, but do not leave them sitting in water any length of time.

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