Wildside Gardens

Description

How To Grow Great Daylilies Daylilies are among the most carefree and easy-to-grow perennials. They are very tolerant of a wide range of conditions, and are very forgiving of gardening "mistakes." But it really pays to give your daylilies the best growing conditions possible. They will respond accordingly. Where to Plant Sun: Daylilies love sun, full sun if possible, but will tolerate part-shade conditions. A general rule is to make sure they get at least 6 hours of direct sun a day. Many darker colored varieties will benefit from partial shade in the hottest part of the day. Soils: Daylilies will grow in a wide range of soils, from sand to heavy clay, and in a wide range of soil pHs. There are steps you can take to improve your soil, especially if it is predominantly clay or sand. Clay soils can be improved by the addition of compost, humus or peat moss, or sand which will help make it more friable. Sandy soil will benefit from the addition of compost, humus or peat moss which will serve to increase water retention. Drainage: Daylilies prefer well-drained soil. In problem areas, one way to achieve adequate drainage is to prepare raised beds. Other plants: To avoid root competition for water and nutrients, do not plant daylilies near shrubs or trees if possible. If you can't avoid it, be sure to give them extra water and fertilizer to make up for what the other plants take. An exception is in the South, where daylilies perform well under pine trees, benefiting from their dappled shade. When to Plant Spring or Fall planting is recommended, especially in hot areas. Spring shipments should arrive after the ground has thawed and danger of hard frost has passed. Fall shipments should arrive several weeks before freezing weather, although you can plant later if you will mulch the plants. Preparing for your new daylilies Work your ground in advance, incorporating organic material such as compost or well-rotted manure if possible. Spacing Daylily plants come in a wide range of sizes, but here are some general guidelines to follow: Small Flower & Miniatures: 16" to 24" Large Flowers: 18" to 30" For a closed bed or border: 12" to 18" Some varieties increase very rapidly and will become crowded over time, sooner, the closer you plant them. If you notice a decrease in blooms because of crowding you will want to divide your daylilies. When placing the daylily in the ground, use you hands to create a small mound in the middle of the hole, and then place the roots on top of the mound as illustrated in the above picture. This will ensure that there is not a gap of air under the crown of the plant which can lead to plant failure. The crown of the plant should be no more than 1" below the top of the soil. Caring For Your Daylilies Water: Water is essential for good performance. In sufficient quantity, water helps ensure that you get as many blooms and as large blooms as possible. It is most important that daylilies get sufficient water in the spring, when plants are making scapes and buds, and in summer during bloom season. Daylilies can withstand drought conditions, but you will notice decreased numbers of blooms and smaller bloom sizes.

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