Daylilies have frequently been called the perfect perennial because they are hardy, easy to grow, drought tolerant, and rarely bothered by insects or diseases. They also come in a full range of colors, shapes, sizes, heights, and bloom times.

Daylilies can be used beautifully as a mass planting of all one type, in a mixed border of perennials, or as a bed of different daylily varieties selected to bloom for many months. We find that limiting the number of different varieties in each area gives a more pleasing effect than a mixture of many different colors together. For a very natural look, select one or two types, and repeat clusters of them scattered around your yard.

Daylilies are generally spaced 18-24" apart. If planted closer than 18" apart, they may need to be divided in a few years. For the look of established clumps without the wait, try putting 3-7 plants of one variety 12-18" apart, with 2-3 ft. between clusters.

Choose any location with at least a half day of sunlight and good drainage. If starting a new garden area, your soil will need conditioning with composted manure, or your own compost. Lime is useful if your soil is naturally very acidic. Complete planting
instructions are included with each order.

Simple Care of Daylilies

Once your new daylilies have settled in, they require very little to produce colorful blooms. Spread organic fertilizer, compost, or dehydrated manure around the daylilies each spring, as foliage growth is beginning.

During any summer dry spells, water deeply once a week. Extra water during bloom season will encourage rebloom. Clean out old foliage after daylilies go dormant, in either late fall or early spring.

You may decide to spread an organic mulch around daylilies to suppress weeds and keep the soil moist. Fresh mulch may tie up some of the nutrients in the soil initially, but will eventually add both nutrients and humus to the soil as it breaks down. Don't pile a thick, heavy mulch directly on top of the daylilies, as they need to breathe. Winter protection is not needed.

Daylilies may be divided every 5 years or so, if they become crowded, or may be left for decades to flourish with little care. If a plant is growing happily, blooming well, and does not look overcrowded in the garden, then leave it. If a clump is very crowded by plants next to it, has a donut shape with no foliage in the middle, and has fewer blooms than it did in previous years, then it's time to divide.

How to Divide a Daylily Clump