A good
English older friend sparked my
interest in Daylilies. I planted the first half dozen varieties in
1985. They are so easy to grow and are beautiful during the month of
July and into August. I began collecting new varieties a couple years
later. As they bloomed I've added their pictures.
Daylilies are some of the most rewarding perennials you can grow. As
the name infers, each blossom only lasts a day, but daylilies bloom for
many weeks and many of the modern hybrids have very long blooming
periods, often several months. Early varieties start in June. Most
varieties begin blooming in mid-late July and continue into fall. The
daylily is now available in virtually every color but blue, and forms
vary from traditional narrow petals to wide, ruffled blossoms.
Daylilies are often listed as dormant, semi-evergreen or evergreen.
This refers to how quickly the foliage dies down in winter. Dormant
daylilies die down to the ground early and are usually considered the
hardiest varieties. Semi-evergreen types usually leave some green, and
evergreen types remain green in warmer climates. In our severe winters
even semi-evergreen and evergreen types will kill down to the ground
unless covered early by snow. We grow many semi-evergreen types and
have not had problems overwintering them. Although we do not grow or
recommend growing evergreen types in the maritimes, you may be able to
grow them with a good mulch cover.
Daylilies are adaptable to many soil types, however they will thrive
best when grown in a loose, loamy soil with good drainage. Adjust your
soil's pH, (acidity level), to 6-7. In most maritime soils you will
need to add some ground limestone to reach this pH level. In fall, or
early spring, work in compost or well rotted manure. We also add a
handful of fish meal, lobster meal or blood-bone meal to provide lots
of nitrogen and phosphorus. Although daylilies will survive droughty
conditions, you should be sure they are adequately watered if you want
the best blooms.
Daylilies can be divided in early spring or fall with relative ease.
Dig the clump up and divide with a knife, or your hands if the clump is
relatively young. Older, tighter clumps may require a shovel or axe to
accomplish division. Water in the divisions well and mulch especially
in fall.
Many of the modern hybrids have unusual patterns on the petals. Some of the characteristics you will find include:
- eyezones - a different colored patch in the throat of the flower,
- watermarks - a colored area extending from the throat outward onto the petal,
- crimping - light or heavy ruffling of the petal edges
- wiring - a thin line of color that runs along the petal edge, and
- diamond dusting - a reflective petal surface that sparkles.
Many newer daylilies have wider petals than the traditional petal
form, often creating a completely rounded flower form. The spiders have
the opposite in that they have very narrow petals that often twist,
creating a spidery effect.
