How to Grow Daylily Flowers

Daylily Flowers, how to grow Daylilies

Growing Daylilies in Your Home Flower Garden

Daylily flowers are an easy-to-grow plant that is grown for both its large, colorful flowers and their attractive foliage. Growing Daylilies is gaining in popularity and are grown just about everywhere in the U.S. as well as around the world. Different varieties can be found in a wide range of colors to choose from. These plants are tolerant of poor soils and growing conditions, making them an ideal plant for areas where other plants just will not thrive.

The plants are usually deer-resistant. They do not like the flower’s fragrance. However, if other foods are scarce, they may turn to daylily plants for a meal.

Daylily Plant Specifications

Flower colors: A wide range of colors and shades, including orange, pink, purple, red, and yellow.

Flowers Blooms: Spring to late Summer through Fall.

Light Requirements: Full sunlight.

Ideal Soil pH: 6.0 – 8.0.

Hardiness Zone: 3 – 10. 

Toxicity: Non-toxic. However, it is toxic to cats.

Deer Resistant? Yes. The fragrant flower keeps deer away.

Number of Species: This plant has over 60 varieties.

Native To: Asia, Central Europe, and Japan

Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial.

Botanical Name: Hemerocallis

Are Daylilies Edible?

YES!!

It is popular in Asian cuisine. Eat the flowers and tubers raw or cooked. It has a taste similar to asparagus or potatoes.

The plants are toxic to cats.

Note: Do not confuse this plant with Tiger Lilies which are toxic. Do not eat this plant if you are not absolutely certain that it is a daylily.

Medicinal Applications for Daylilies

Daylilies are in common use in Chinese medicine. Here are some of the medicinal uses:

  • Treats jaundice.
  • It is used to treat liver disease.
  • They are used as a sedative for insomnia, dizziness, and tinnitus.
  • It is an antidote for arsenic poisoning.
  • The rhizome, or tuber, has antimicrobial properties.

Light Requirements

For the best results, grow daylilies in full sunlight. Give them 6 or more hours of bright, full sunlight.

In warmer regions, plant them in a location where they are protected from the hot afternoon sun. Darker varieties of flowers do better with a afternoon little shade.

Too little sunlight results in fewer blooms.

Daylily Flower Propagation

Daylilies are propagated by their roots. Separate the large roots re-plant them four to six inches deep in the spring. Add compost into the soil before planting and mix in a general-purpose fertilizer. Simply plant the root and watch it grow. Mulch around the plant to keep the weeds down. The appearance of your lilies is enhanced by a weedless surrounding.

Tip: Try a low ground cover like white Alyssum around the lilies.

Daylily Plant Propagation

Daylily plants are propagated from division of the rhizomes, or tubers. Dig up the tubers, divide them into two or three clumps, and replant them. Plant them with the crowns just below the soil level.

Daylilies can also be propagated from seed.  Start the seed indoors in large peat pots. Keep the soil moist during the germination period. Also, the seeds can be directly seed into the flower garden in the Fall. Make sure to mark the planting site.

Pruning Daylilies

Your Daylily plants require little pruning. You can remove the spent blooms to make a more neat plant appearance. remove any dead or sickly leaves during the growing season. And, that’s all there is to it!

How to Grow Daylily Flower Plants

Once planted the daylilies will quickly grow and thrive with little attention. They will bloom brightly once a year and the blooms will last for a week or so if the weather is not too hot.

After blooming, the big, bright leaves will shine in your flower garden until fall.

Pull up the roots around the first frost. Store the roots over winter in your basement or other cool, location. Some people will store them on sand. Do not store them where the they will freeze as this will kill the roots.

Insects and Plant Disease

The plants are resistant to insects and disease. If insect or disease problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.

Plant Problems – Identify the causes and find the cures.

Overwintering Daylilies

These hardy perennials require little care or attention to prepare them for the winter months. After a heavy frost, the plant will die back for winter. Cut the leaves back to the ground. If you do not get to this step before the snow flies, no problem. In the spring, grab the dead leaves. Then, twist and pull them off of the crown. They should come off easily.

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