Daylilies should be planted in sun or partial shade and grow best in a well-drained, porous soil that is high in organic matter. Raised beds can be constructed to avoid problematic soil and improve soil drainage.
Containerized daylilies can be removed from pots and firmly planted so that the container soil level is slightly higher than the surrounding soil in the bed. If a gardening friend donates a large clump, or if you have a large division of daylilies from an existing plant, simply plant the clump at the same soil level that it was originally growing or slightly higher. Backfill, firm the soil, apply water and firm the soil once more so there are no air pockets.
Although daylilies are remarkably tolerant of dry conditions, new plants frequently need extra water until they become established. Once they are established, it may not be necessary to water daylilies except during extended dry spells. Gradually soak the soil to a depth of about 8 inches once each week if there is no rain. Frequent, light watering will cause plants to develop an undesirable shallow root system susceptible to stress.
Daylilies benefit from mulch. Mulching reduces loss of soil moisture, helps control weeds and maintains a more uniform soil temperature. Pine needles, pine bark or leaves are good mulching materials. When settled, the mulch should be 2 to 3 inches deep.
Daylilies multiply and increase in size for many years without much attention. Eventually, however, they outgrow their location or produce blooms only around the outer edges of the clump. In either case, divide and replant so the roots will have enough space to grow, thereby producing better quality blooms. Even though daylilies can be divided and planted any time of the year, late fall, late winter, or early spring is the most satisfactory.
To divide daylilies, simply lift the entire clump or cluster out of the soil with a garden fork. Avoid using a shovel because it can cut many of the roots. If the entire clump can't be lifted, begin on the outer edge and remove only a portion at a time. After selecting the most vigorous plants on the clump's outer edge, the center portion may be discarded, or you can save it to produce more plants.
The size of each division should depend on your needs. If you need a large number, divide them into clumps of one to three plants. Larger clumps of six to ten plants will usually bloom the next year and for several more years without becoming too crowded.
Sources: Dr. J. David Williams, Extension Horticulturist, and Professor at Auburn University; Dr. Ken Tilt, Extension Horticulturist, and Professor at Auburn University; and Dr. J. Raymond Kessler, Extension Floriculture Specialist and Associate Professor at Auburn University.
For more information regarding daylilies, contact your county Extension office.
Daylilies are beautiful, easy-to-maintain, perennial garden flowers that bloom from early summer into fall. Each flower normally opens for just one day, and there is a succession of flowers throughout the blooming season. It is not abnormal for the colors and shapes of the flowers to vary, even on the same bloom. Daylilies can range in height from 8 inches to 5 feet, and flower size can be as small as 2 inches or as large as 8 inches. Given the range of choices available, there is a daylily cultivar suitable for almost every landscape situation and purpose.