Hemerocallis

Botanical/Latin
   Hemerocallis

Pronunciation
   hem-er-oh-kal-is

Common Name
   Daylily

Hardiness zone range
   3 - 8

General Comments
Daylilies are simply superb garden perennials; there has to be a place in every garden for these reliable summer beauties. When it comes to dependability and performance, they very definitely top the list.

The gorgeous, lily-like flowers come in every shade except blue; they have a tough, robust constitution that makes them easy to grow, to transplant, and maintain. Add to this the lush, green, architectural foliage, and their ability to quickly form strong clumps (that discourage weeds), their freedom from any serious pests and disease, and it is hard to imagine any other plant that gives so much for so little.

Uses
Their ability to adapt and thrive in a wide variety of cultural conditions allows them to be used almost anywhere in the garden. Individual plants will grace beds or mixed borders; the range of height and habit means they can be used along the front, middle, or even towards the back of plantings. When massed in bold groupings, the sheer magnitude of color is breathtaking and, since many are pleasantly scented, they fill the air with a delightful fragrance. They can be grouped as individual colors and, when blended with harmony, the effect is stunning. Because the flowers are displayed prominently above the foliage, they make excellent subjects for island beds or long, flowing borders. Another effective place is along the base of hedges or walls where the flowers all rise and face outwards, highlighting the display. The same applies to lightly shaded woodland sites; they look so natural and eventually form colonies and drifts of color.

Light Preference
Sun to partial shade

Culture
They perform best in fertile soils that are well drained and retain moisture in dry weather. This can be enhanced by adding compost or other humus media at planting time and mulching. A dressing with a well balanced fertilizer applied each spring, before growth begins, will also help to keep them lush and vigorous. They are remarkably tolerant of conditions that are less than perfect (sandy light soils or heavy clay); while these conditions are not recommended, good results can be still be achieved. After flowering, cut back spent flower stems and any old leaves; this will encourage prolonged blooming, fresh growth, and tidy up the clumps.

Clumps that become overcrowded and begin to lose vigor should be divided (see Splendor Suggestions for details).

Background
Daylilies are native to the Orient and have been grown in China for thousands of years. The young leaves and flower buds were harvested as a source of food, and the roots and foliage for medicinal uses. The first plants are thought to have reached western gardens via the trade routes of Venice and Lisbon and overland to Hungary. The botanical name comes from the Greek words hemera (day) Kallos (beauty) and reflects that the individual flowers open for one day. Botanists and plant collectors discovered additional species and ancient cultivars, and these formed the genetic stock from which the myriad cultivars have been bred and selected. Modern cultivars still have flowers that last for a day, but these are produced in such abundance and in long succession that this is hardly noticed.

The American Hemerocallis Society lists over 40,000 named cultivars, which reflect their popularity and the amount of hybridization that has taken place.

We have undertaken extensive trials to carefully refine and develop a selection that outperforms the ordinary ones; they are characterized by good foliage, heavy bud counts, stunning colors, and sturdy growth.

Splendor Suggestions
When clumps become overcrowded, lose vigor, and have reduced flowering, they should be divided. The frequency depends upon the variety and soil type; on average, this is about every three to four years. The best times are in the fall and early spring. The clumps should be dug up and the foliage (if present) cut back to about 8 inches, and divisions consisting of three to four eyes made. Shake off the excess soil, and then, with a hose, wash away any remaining soil; this exposes the roots and shoots and makes pulling them apart much easier. Those that do not separate easily can be severed with a knife or small spade. The resultant divisions can then be replanted 15-18 inches apart.

Companion Plants
They are easy and accommodating companions with almost everything, so choose your favorites and enjoy growing these fabulous perennials. They can easily be described as "Top of the Pops".