Daylily Characteristics

Daylilies (Hemerocallis) Characteristics and Growing Tips

Daylilies have long been known to our grandmothers, but as a result of selection, the varieties available today have acquired characteristics that were not characteristic of wild species. Now daylilies can boast large, variously shaped and colored flowers (up to 20–30 cm in diameter), wrinkled, toothed and wavy petal edges, as well as various patterns and shades. There are even varieties with eight petals (usually six), as well as double and semi-double flowers. Some varieties have golden or diamond-like glitter on the edges of the petals. The variety of colors of daylilies is impressive - they are found in almost all shades of the rainbow, except for pure blue and snow-white flowers, which breeders have not yet been able to grow.

Daylilies are perfectly suited to the Latvian climate – they tolerate frost and snow, and do not require special shelter in winter. However, it should be noted that not all varieties imported from warmer countries adapt well to Latvian conditions. For example, some hybrids created in the USA may bloom in a different color, with a smaller number of flowers, or even a different flower shape in our latitudes.

These plants are not particularly demanding on the soil, but they grow better and bloom more abundantly in sunny places.

Although each daylily flower blooms for only one day, there can be 10–50 buds on one flower stalk, and several flower stalks on each bush. Therefore, flowering in an adult bush can continue for up to 1–2 months. Some varieties, such as Shelton Hollyday, Alternative Universe, and Song Writer, bloom even twice a year.

Daylilies are ideal for today's busy gardeners – they are one of the least demanding ornamental perennials that adapt well to various growing conditions and climates. They are almost pest and disease free and can grow in one place for 10 or more years.

If you want to see the beauty of these plants, visit a daylily garden in July and August – many visitors are amazed by the variety of flower shapes and colours.

Tips for growing daylilies:
Sunny location – daylilies love the sun, so they should be planted in the sunniest possible place.
Well-drained soil – plants need a dry place to avoid root rot.
Correct planting depth – seedlings should not be planted too deep, but at about the same depth as they grew previously. The root collar should be slightly above ground.
Enough space – daylilies grow in dense bushes, so you need to leave enough space (the recommended distance between plants is about 50 cm).
Soil amendment – ​​although daylilies are undemanding, it is recommended to amend poor soils. In the spring, it is advisable to add complex mineral fertilizers with a low nitrogen content.

You can learn more about growing and caring for daylilies in the book Dienlilijas, published in 2009 by Zvaigzne ABC, as well as in the thematic publication Dienziedes of Lauku Avīze, written by breeder Varis Baņģieris.