Daylilies

Daylilies are among the most popular herbaceous perennials grown in Florida. They are hardy, relatively free from serious pests, have a long blooming period, and adapt well to home landscape plantings. Plants are available in a wide variety of flower colors and growth habits. The present flower color selection available includes shades of yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, and near-white.

The adaptability of daylilies to a variety of cultural conditions and their availability in a wide variety of flower colors and plant sizes make them well suited for landscape use. Keep in mind the color of the building material when selecting varieties. Bright flower colors such as yellow should be used against redwood, brick, or dark backgrounds, and dark flowers used against white or light backgrounds. Daylilies over 36 inches tall are suitable for foundation plantings, the back of daylily beds, or as mixed borders. Medium daylilies (16 to 36 inches) can be used in most settings. Dwarf daylilies (12 inches or less) are best used for border plantings.

Light levels for daylilies are not critical. They will grow in full sun or filtered shade. The darker colored varieties (red and purple) grow best in partial shade, while light colored varieties (yellows, pink and pastels) need full sun to bring out their lovely colors. Heavy shade should be avoided because it will cause thin, spindly growth and poor flowering. The light level under pine trees is ideal for growing daylilies.

Soil for a daylily bed should be tilled and amended by incorporating a 3 to 4-inch layer of organic matter such as peat, compost or well-rotted manure, and 2 to 3 pounds of 6-6-6, or an equivalent amount of other complete fertilizers per 100 square feet of bed. The amended soil should be leveled, and moistened.

Spring is an ideal time for planting daylilies. Space plants 8 to 24 inches apart, since some varieties multiply quickly and become so crowded that flower production is affected. Under Florida conditions, daylilies can usually grow in one location for 3 to 5 years before division is necessary.

Mulching daylilies will help retain soil moisture, reduce weeds, and moderate soil temperatures. A 2-inch layer of pine needles, leaves, or shredded bark are among the most desirable mulches.

Although daylilies can survive temporary dry conditions very well, the plants' bloom size, number of blooms, plant growth, and overall vigor can be adversely affected by prolonged drought. A spectacular display of blooms can be achieved by applying enough water weekly to soak the soil 8 to 12 inches deep. However, overhead watering during the heat of the day should be avoided since it will cause open blooms to spot and/or wilt.

Daylilies should be fertilized in the fall, early spring and mid-summer with 2 1/2 pounds of 6-6-6 per hundred square feet of bed or an equivalent amount of another complete fertilizer. Fertilizer should be evenly applied between plants, kept off the foliage, and watered into the soil after application.


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