Maintenance:

Daylilies require some maintenance throughout the growing season

In the Spring:

• Prune out old and decayed foliage from last year

In the Summer:

• While Daylilies keep producing flowers
• Remove spent flowers to encourage more flower production
• Clean foliage to maintain plant vigor

In the Fall:

Division is a technique that can spread your mature daylilies out around your garden and revitalize old plants. Dividing Daylilies can always be done in the Spring or Fall

To divide a Daylily clump:

• Cut into the soil around the plant with a spade and then lift the entire clump out of the soil with a garden fork
• Separate the plant into individual fans
  • A grouping of leaves with roots attached
• Shake it to remove as much soil as possible.
• Finally, plant your new fans to new areas of your garden

Division promotes more vigorous growth in mature Daylilies

• Division should be done every two years
• After 5 years, flower production diminishes because of overgrown roots

Watering:

• Most daylilies are drought-tolerant, but some watering may be required during those hot summer months
• Watering encourages better quality flower production

Mulching:

• Use bark or compost as mulch to ensure moisture retention and weed suppression

Fertilizing:

• Fertilize a few times a year to maintain healthy Daylilies
  • Daylilies should be fertilized with:
    • Espoma Garden Fertilizer (5-10-5) or Garden Tone (4-6-6)
    • Mix with Espoma Potash (0-0-60)
• Use compost to promote a good level of organic matter
• Use low level nitrogen fertilizers to promote flower production
  • Nitrogen will increase foliage production and decrease flower production

Pests/Diseases

Daylilies are usually pest and disease free with a few exceptions, what to watch for in your garden:

• Daylily Rust

By:  Kenneth C. Roth, MCH

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