Daylilies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2009

These flowering plants are extremely popular today. The color diversity is exceptional, from bright yellow to dark red; there is a color for everyone. It is said there are over 50,000 different cultivars to pick from.

Daylilies do well in full sun. They will tolerate light shade but one gives up some bloom. They will survive in heavy soil but they do not like wet soils. The really great thing about this plant is its long season bloom. With a selection of different cultivars one can enjoy color starting in early spring lasting until fall.

Daylilies are perennial. This means they will come back year after year. Most daylilies get their name from their bloom lasting a single day.

Daylilies can be planted anytime. Most gardeners plant them in spring, but I like to plant them after flowering. This is due to the color of the flower being easily identified. One might be confused in the spring without good records.

Daylilies can be divided every four years in most cases. The division should have two to three stems with roots intact. One should cut the foliage back to six inches. Cover the crown with about one inch of soil and water thoroughly.

Mulch helps to control weeds around plants. There is little insect pest control necessary for these plants.

A complete fertilizer such as 10-10-10 will help maintain their vigor. There is some debate on if seed pods and spent flower heads should be removed. I suggest it because the plants just look better and more flowers should be produced next year.

So if your landscape needs some color and a relatively easy growing plant, then maybe a clump of daylilies is for you.