Diamond dusting, shark’s tooth edging, watermarks and gold-wire edges. These aren’t words that describe daylilies growing in roadside ditches. Daylily or Hemerocallis sp. originates from the Greek hemera (a day) and kallos (beauty). Native to China, Korea and some Japanese islands, daylilies followed the trade routes to Europe in the 16th century. European settlers brought daylilies to North America, along with lilacs and peonies.

In 1893, the first recorded hybrid daylily was introduced in England. Today there are 40,000+ hybrids registered in the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia and Germany. Results from hybridizing is flowers in all colors except true blue and pure white, flower sizes from 2” to nearly a foot across, and plant scapes (leafless flower stalks) from only a few inches tall to over 4 feet. Flowers can be one color, bi-tones or bi-colors, and can have eyes, bands, ruffles and halos. Flower shapes include round, triangular, or star-shaped, along with unusual forms where petals are pinched or twisted. And, if that wasn’t enough to get your attention, daylilies are easy to grow and virtually pest free.

Daylilies have bright green “strap-like” leaves 12-24” long. They arch into a graceful fan of foliage. Scapes arise from the crown, branch at the top, forming multiple flowers. Although each individual flower lasts one day, a plant with good branching and high bud count can bloom for several weeks. Growing different cultivars that bloom throughout the season will give you continuous blooms for several months. Smaller varieties of daylilies (miniatures and dwarfs) work well as border plants, while larger varieties can be used as background plantings. Plant spring flowering bulbs around the daylilies and the emerging daylily foliage will cover up the dying bulb foliage. Daylilies planted in front of irises will provide color after the irises are finished blooming. Mass plantings of daylilies work well to add color and foliage contrast to trees and shrubs, and individual plants look great in a mixed perennial border.

Daylilies are very hardy and will grow in almost any type of soil. However, daylilies do best in well-drained soil, so add compost or organic matter to heavy clay soils before planting. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots, and plant the crown of each daylily at soil level, but no more than 1 inch below soil level. Daylilies need full sun to partial shade to flower well. A spring application of a low nitrogen fertilizer, such as 5-10-5 or 10-10-10, will provide nutrients needed for plant growth and flowering. Excess nitrogen will increase foliage growth at the expense of flowering. Deadheading flowers and removing any seed pods will also prolong bloom.

After four to six years the daylily clumps should be divided. You can do this in early spring, when new growth is emerging, or in the fall after flowering. Dig up the entire plant and gently pull the fans apart. Some plants have such thick rhizomes that you will need a spading fork or a knife to break up the clump. Replant two to three fans in a group – exchange the rest with other daylily growers for different varieties and colors for your garden.

Daylilies are virtually pest and disease free, although occasionally you may have problems with thrips or earwigs. Good sanitation, such as cutting scapes after blooming and cleaning up dead foliage around the crowns will help keep the plants healthy. For more information about daylilies visit the American Hemerocallis Society (AHS) website at www.daylilies.org

Consider visiting Fort Collins Nursery after 12 pm (noon) on Saturday, July 22, to see the results of an AHS sanctioned show sponsored by the Northern Colorado Iris and Daylily Club. Daylily flowers will be on display until 4 p.m. You can also visit Houston Gardens at 515 23rd Ave. in Greeley to see over 300 daylilies in full bloom! Houston Gardens is open M-F 9-4 and Saturday 9-12 noon. For more information, phone 970-353-4837.

The authors have received training through Colorado State University Cooperative Extension's Master Gardener program and is a Master Gardener volunteer for Larimer County.

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This page updated:  July 24, 2006