Growing Daylily Plants from Bulbs
Although daylilies grow from thick root clumps (not true bulbs like tulips or daffodils), many gardeners still refer to them as daylily bulbs when buying them. They are often sold bare root in spring or fall.
Here’s how to plant them:
- Choose a sunny spot: Daylilies love full sun—at least 6 hours per day. Some types can handle partial shade, especially in hot climates.
- Prepare the soil: Loosen the soil about 12 inches deep. Add compost or organic matter if your soil is heavy clay or very sandy.
- Plant the bulbs: Dig a hole and make a small mound in the center. Spread the roots over the mound and cover with soil. The crown (where the roots meet the leaves) should sit just below the soil surface.
- Water well: Soak the newly planted daylilies to help settle the soil.
Daylily Care Tips
Once planted, daylily plants need very little care. But if you want the best blooms, here are some easy tips:
- Watering: Water deeply during dry spells, especially in the first year. Mature daylilies are drought-tolerant, but they’ll bloom better with regular watering.
- Mulching: Add mulch to help keep the soil moist and to prevent weeds.
- Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced fertilizer in spring. A second feeding in midsummer helps reblooming types produce more flowers.
- Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to keep your plants looking neat. You can also cut back the flower stalks after blooming.
- Dividing: Every 3 to 5 years, dig up and divide clumps in spring or fall to keep your plants vigorous. This is also a great way to get more daylily bulbs for free!
Fun Ways to Use Daylilies in the Garden
Daylilies aren’t just pretty—they’re also very flexible in landscape design. Here are some creative ideas:
- Mass Plantings: Plant large groups of the same variety for a bold, colorful impact.
- Mixed Borders: Combine with shrubs, ornamental grasses, and other perennials.
- Container Gardens: Yes, you can grow daylilies in pots! Use smaller or dwarf types for best results.
- Slopes and Erosion Control: Their roots hold soil in place, making them great for hillsides.
- Pollinator Gardens: Use bold, bright daylily flowers to attract bees and butterflies.
When Do Daylilies Bloom?
Most daylily plants bloom in late spring to early summer, depending on your climate. Some early-blooming varieties can start in late May, while others won’t peak until July or even August.
If you plant a mix of early, mid, and late-season daylily varieties, you can enjoy blooms for months. For even more color, choose reblooming daylilies, which flower again later in the season.
Where to Buy Daylily Bulbs and Plants
You can find daylilies at garden centers, plant nurseries, or online. When buying daylily bulbs, look for firm, healthy roots and avoid any that are mushy or moldy. If you’re buying potted daylily plants, check for strong green leaves and signs of active growth.
Tip: Local daylily clubs and plant sales are also great places to find rare or unusual daylily varieties.