Daylily

Daylilies: Easy-Care Blooms That Brighten Any Garden
Grow Stunning Daylily Flowers from Bulbs or Plants with Ease

If you want a plant that brings color, beauty, and joy to your garden with very little work, look no further than the daylily. These amazing flowers bloom for just one day each—but don’t worry. Daylily plants produce so many blooms that your garden will be filled with color for weeks or even months!

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned gardener, daylilies are a must-have. They’re tough, low-maintenance, and come in a rainbow of colors. Plus, there are thousands of types of daylilies to choose from. Let’s dive into what makes daylilies so special—and how easy they are to grow.

Why Gardeners Love Daylilies

Daylilies are one of the most popular flowers in the world. Here’s why:

• Easy to grow: They thrive in almost any soil and can handle drought, heat, and even neglect.
• Hardy and long-lived: Many daylily plants will live for decades with very little care.
• Lots of variety: With so many daylily varieties, there’s one for every garden style.
• Pollinator-friendly: Butterflies, bees, and even hummingbirds love daylily flowers.
• Great for beginners: If you’re new to gardening, starting with daylily bulbs is a smart move.

Types of Daylilies

There are over 80,000 registered daylily varieties, and more are introduced every year. They come in many shapes, colors, and sizes. Some bloom early in the season, while others bloom mid-summer or even into fall.

Here are some common types of daylilies:

• Standard Daylilies: These include old favorites like ‘Stella de Oro,’ which has golden-yellow flowers and blooms again and again.
• Spider Daylilies: These have long, narrow petals that look like spider legs—unique and dramatic!
• Double Daylilies: These have extra petals for a fuller, rose-like look.
• Miniature Daylilies: Smaller blooms and plants, perfect for borders or containers.
• Reblooming Daylilies: These bloom more than once during the season, giving you more color for longer.

With so many choices, you’ll want to mix and match different daylily varieties for a more colorful garden.

Why You’ll Love Daylilies

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance flower that gives a big payoff, daylily plants are a perfect choice. With stunning daylily flowers in almost every color and form imaginable, they add beauty, interest, and charm to any garden.

And the best part? You don’t have to be an expert gardener to grow them. Just plant your daylily bulbs, give them a little care, and enjoy the show.

So go ahead—explore different types of daylilies, mix up a few fun daylily varieties, and create a garden full of joy, one bloom at a time.

Shop for Daylily Plants

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:

1. Choose a sunny spot: Daylilies love full sun—at least 6 hours per day. Some types can handle partial shade, especially in hot climates.
2. Prepare the soil: Loosen the soil about 12 inches deep. Add compost or organic matter if your soil is heavy clay or very sandy.
3. 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.
4. 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.