About Daylilys


The daylily is sometimes referred to as the perfect perennial because it is:

daylily flower picture
  • Available in a rainbow of colors and a variety of shapes and sizes.
  • Able to survive with very little care in a wide range of climates.
  • Suitable for all types of landscapes.
  • Drought tolerant when necessary, with relatively few pest and disease problems in most gardens.
  • Adaptable to various soil and light conditions.
  • Known to bloom from late spring until autumn.


Sun or Shade:

daylily flower picture


Most daylilies do best in full sun. They will tolerate part-shade conditions, but require a minimum of six hours of direct sun per day.


· Light yellow cultivars, many shades of pink, and delicate pastels need full sun to bring out their lovely colorings.


· Many red and purple cultivars benefit from partial shade in the hottest part of the day because dark colors absorb heat and do not withstand the sun as well as lighter colors.


Type of Soil:

daylily flower picture


Like most plants, daylilies show maximum performance in soils with good aeration, fertility and microbial activity. The ideal soil holds sufficient moisture to sustain the plants, yet is at the same time well-drained. These characteristics can be improved in soils that have too much sand or clay by amending with compost.


Drainage:


For maximum performance, daylilies should be planted in well-drained soil. In some regions raised beds may be beneficial where drainage is a problem. However raised beds should be approached with caution in cold winter regions as being elevated can make the plants more vulnerable to temperature extremes and fluctuations. Note also that raised beds generally require more irrigation during the summer.


Copyright © 2009 Antioch Daylily Garden