Comprehensive Guide: When and How to Divide Daylilies
Are you looking to maintain healthy and vibrant daylilies in your garden? Look no further! Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.) are resilient and striking plants that require occasional division for optimal health and abundant flower production.
In this in-depth guide, we will explore the ins and outs of dividing daylilies, from the basics to best practices, and even highlight some favorite cultivars you might want to consider adding to your collection.
What You’ll Learn
- Daylily Basics
- When to Divide
- How to Divide
- Replant Promptly
- Cultivars to Select
Daylily Basics
Despite their name, daylilies are not true lilies. These herbaceous perennials grow from rhizomes and are known for their fast growth and energetic nature. They produce stunning clumps of strappy foliage and tall stems adorned with lily-like flowers that bloom for only one day each.
Cultivars can vary in height and spread, ranging from one to six feet in height and two to four feet in spread. When planting, spacing the newly divided sections one to four feet apart will promote optimal growth and prevent overcrowding.
Daylilies thrive in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. They are light feeders and have minimal fertilizer needs, making them an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens.
When to Divide
Clumps of daylilies can be divided either in early spring or late summer to early fall. Dividing in early spring allows plants to establish themselves throughout the growing season, while dividing in late summer to early fall gives new transplants time to develop roots before freezing temperatures arrive.
How to Divide
To divide daylilies, you will need to lift the entire root system. Beginning by inserting a garden fork or spade around the clump’s perimeter and carefully lifting it free. Once exposed, gently separate the clumps into equal pieces, ensuring each new section has a leaf fan and healthy roots.
If the roots are tightly entwined, clean, sharp scissors or a garden knife can be used to cut and separate them. Be sure to inspect the roots carefully, discarding any damaged or rotten portions.
After dividing, promptly replant the sections in fertile, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH. Water deeply to settle the soil and keep it lightly moist until the transplants are established.
Cultivars to Select
With thousands of daylily cultivars available, selecting the right ones for your garden can be overwhelming. Here are a few favorites to consider:
- Frankly Scarlett: Vibrant scarlet red blooms with gold throats. Continuous blooming from early summer to frost.
- Happy Returns: Fragrant lemon yellow flowers that bloom from May to frost.
- Mildred Mitchell: Tri-color blooms of lime green, mauve, and purple with a light fragrance. Reblooms in late spring and early summer.
- Pink Wing: Peachy pink blooms that rebloom from late spring to late summer. Offspring of the popular ‘Stella d ‘Oro.’
- Strutter’s Ball: Large royal purple blooms with lemon-lime throats that flower from midsummer to frost.
Darling Daylilies
Daylilies are the darlings of low-maintenance landscapes, requiring minimal care apart from occasional division. By dividing overcrowded clumps in early spring or early autumn, you can ensure a bountiful display of colorful summer flowers.
After dividing, simply sit back and enjoy the results of your hard work. If you have any questions about dividing daylilies, feel free to drop them in the comments below.
For more information on dividing other flowering plants, be sure to investigate how to divide dahlias, transplant hellebores, and divide irises.
In conclusion, by following the guidelines outlined above, you can successfully divide your daylilies and maintain a healthy, vibrant garden filled with beautiful blooms. Happy gardening!
