Daylily Day School
Daylilies are one of those versatile and adaptable flowering perennials that
require little care. Today I’m at Suburban Daylilies to share some easy to
follow tips for daylily success. Typically daylilies would be purchased growing
in one to two gallon nursery containers. Planting is as easy as removing from
the container and gently loosening the root ball. Plant in a hole no deeper
than the container. Daylilies should be planted in the full sun for best flowering.
The flowers will be freshest in the morning. Be aware that many daylilies are
between two and three feet tall and should be planted towards the back of the
bed. The small and miniature selections in the twelve to eighteen inch range
are suitable for the front row. Even in the heat of our Mississippi summers
daylilies will continue to set flowers and bloom. While they are adaptable
to most soil conditions, in Mississippi they should be planted in raised beds
to enhance drainage. The soil should slightly acidic and amended with good
quality organic matter. While drought tolerant, consistent soil moisture will
maintain superior flowering. As the flowers fade seed heads will develop. These
should be removed so more energy can be directed towards flowering. Daylilies
are suitable for use as specimen plants, but I think mass planted daylilies
are extra special. They are vigorous and fast growing and can form a dense
mat in just a couple of years. Daylilies are not true lilies, but with their
beautiful trumpet shaped flowers they belong in every garden. I’m Gary Bachman
for Southern Gardening.