The Daylily (HEMEROCALLIS) is actually a herbaceous perennial found naturally in China, Korea and Japan. Over the years hybridizers have registered over 50,000 varieties. Not surprising, the modern daylily comes in many sizes, colors and forms.
Many daylilies are very hardy making them a great choice for Canadian gardeners. Modern daylilies are clump forming and have very few diseases or predators. They can be used in a variety of applications from drifts, borders or in containers.
Daylilies prefer an average to fertile soil with good drainage and adequate water. They will however perform quite well in less than ideal conditions. Most enjoy full sun (4 to 6 hours per day). Many do well in part shade, some of the darker colors remaining more intense if given dappled light. Although quite drought tolerant once established, very dry conditions will likely reduce flowering and size. A mulch of organic material in late fall or early spring is always welcomed. To maintain the plants vigor divide every 3 to 5 years depending on your growing conditions.
Planting Instructions
Daylilies can be planted from May through September spaced 1 to 3 feet apart depending on cultivar size. Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches and dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots when spread out. Add compost, well rotted manure, blood or bone meal to your planting hole and mix with the soil. Form a cone at the bottom of the hole and spread the daylily roots out evenly over the cone. Water and cover the roots with soil no higher than 1 to 2 inches above the crown, where the roots and foliage meet-often shows as a white mark. Gently firm the soil around the plant, mulch lightly and keep well watered until established and new growth emerges.
Receiving Your Bare Root Daylilies
Plant your daylilies as soon as you receive them. Soak the roots in water for a few hours or overnight before planting, leaving them in a cool and shady place. Do not let them freeze or dry out. All orders receive written planting instructions.
Daylily Talk
These are a few of the terms used when describing daylilies:
Diploid - A daylily plant with 22 chromosomes.
Tetraploid - A daylily plant with 44 chromosomes. The doubling of the chromosomes leads to larger flowers, heavier substance and intense colors.
Scape - The flower stalk.
Crown - Where the plant roots meet the foliage.
Fan - A single daylily plant.
Throat - The center of the flower.
Self - The flattest part of the petal which carries the primary color.
Eye Zone - A darker area surrounding the throat.
Water Mark - A lighter area surrounding the throat ( also called a halo ).
Wire Edge - A very narrow contrasting petal edge.
Picotee - A darker petal edge than the self color.
Award - Each year several awards are given out by the American Hemerocallis Society. Categories include flower size, eye zones, forms, fragrance, performance, beauty, distinction and more. The highest award given is the STOUT SILVER MEDAL.
Extended Bloom - A minimum of 16 hours.
Spiders - Daylilies with thin long petals with at least a 4 to 1 ratio.
Unusual Forms - Daylilies whose thin petals are pinched, twisted, cascading. Often spiders.
Bitone - A flower which has petals that are darker or lighter than the sepals.
Bicolor - A flower which has petals and sepals of two different colors.
Polychrome - A flower which has petals that contain a blend of more than one color.
Mid Rib - A line running down the middle of the petal, usually lighter than the petal color.