Daylilies
 Daylilies get their name because each blossom opens one morning then closes that
evening lasting one day. However each flower spike has several buds
that usually open on different days. One plant may have several flower
spikes. Daylilies require minimal care but produce pretty clumps of
flowers year after year. The secret of day lily's hardiness are the
bean shape swellings on the roots. The nodules store starch that help
the plant through any stressful periods.
Planting
Do not plant near broadleafed trees such as oak. Pine trees are fine.
Plant in spring after the last average freeze date.
Work the soil into a good
loose condition to a depth of at least a foot. Compost, good garden soil,
peat moss, sand, or well rotted manure can be worked into the existing
soil to have a loose growing medium. A loose, friable soil promote root
growth and helps to establish plants.
Dig a hole larger than the root mass on your daylily. Make a mound in
the center of the planting hole. Set the daylily on the mound, with the
roots cascading down the sides of the mound. The crown (place where roots
and foliage meet) should not be covered over one inch. Work the soil in
good around the plant to make sure there are no air pockets. Water well
after planting to insure soil is packed around plant.
Tips
Today's plants are much hybridized and come in about any color. A variety
called "Stella d' Oro" blooms periodically through the season rather than
only once.
Clumps need division every three years or when the clumps become so large
that crowding results in fewer blooms at the center of the clump.
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