by Amanda

Daylilies are low-maintence, dependable, and a smart garden investment

Daylilies are some of the most recognizable blooms in gardens throughout the world, dazzling with dependable, colorful flowers in the summer garden. These fabulous perennials are some of the true cornerstones of any perennial garden. With little care, they grow in any soil type and multiply each year, making them one of the best garden investments. Many varieties are re-bloomers, putting on a colorful show twice in one season.

A Little History

Daylilies, genus Hemerocallis, are native to Asia. Hybridizers in the United States and England have been working with Daylilies since 1930, improving the species greatly. The original colors were yellow, orange, and red. Now, we get to enjoy a rainbow of colors in the dependable Hemerocallis. Many of the Daylilies you see growing in the wild in the US are actually varieties that have 'escaped' the hybridizers.

The Parts

Daylilies are known to form clumps and are made up of four parts. The roots of Daylilies are usually long and fibrous. The roots absorb the water and minerals for the plant, serving as a storage place for nutrients produce by the leaves. The crown is the stem of the Daylily, producing leaves and scapes. The leaves of Daylilies are long and grass-like. The scape of the Daylily is the stalk which produces the flowers. It typically does not have any leaves and there can be two or more per plant.

Will Daylilies Grow in my Garden?

Daylilies grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9. If you don't know your Hardiness Zone, find it out here. If you're in a warmer area (zones 9-10) and want to try planting Daylilies, put them in an area that does not receive full sun.

For everyone else, Daylilies require a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day and prefer well-draining soil. Daylilies are so famous and wide-spread because they are extremely easy to grow, tolerating most growing conditions. They also multiply quickly, making them a great garden investment.

Daylilies are deer resistant and if you choose a re-blooming variety, you'll get a show in the garden twice in one season. The versatility of the different colors, shapes, and sizes, makes it easy to pick a variety that will thrive in your garden.

What are your experiences growing Daylilies? Please share in the comments below or on our Facebook Page.

Happy Gardening!