Daylilies

How to choose a daylily

The Stella group began with the golden yellow Stella D'Oro, a dwarf daylily valued because it flowers again and again through the warm months instead of in one burst. The others in the range share that compact habit and repeat flowering, so the choice comes down to colour. The Sunny Yellow Dwarf Daylily is a yellow form, the Red Daylily gives a deep red, and the Long Flowering Dwarf Daylily is the tangerine member of the group.

One colour planted in a drift has more effect than a mixture. Yellow reads clearly from a distance and suits edging along a path or driveway, while red and orange work well close to a seating area.

Where daylilies grow

Daylilies grow across most of Australia, from Tasmania and the cold tablelands through the temperate south to subtropical Queensland. They are frost hardy; in cold districts the foliage dies down in winter and returns in spring, while in mild climates many stay green. In the tropics the constant heat and humidity suit them less. Give them full sun for the most flowers, or light afternoon shade in hot inland areas.

These compact types form clumps about 30 to 40 centimetres high, with the flower stems a little above the leaves. They are useful along borders, on banks and in mass plantings with other flowering plants and grasses and strappy leaf plants, and they do well as plants for pots.

Planting and spacing

Plant at any time in mild weather; autumn and early spring give the easiest establishment. Daylilies accept most soils, including clay, provided water does not sit around the crown. Dig in compost, set the crown just at soil level and water in. Space compact types 30 to 40 centimetres apart for edging or mass planting. In a pot, use a quality potting mix and a container at least 30 centimetres wide.

Care basics

Water regularly for the first season. Established clumps cope with dry spells, though they flower longer with a deep soak each week in summer. Feed in early spring and again after the first flush of flowers. Snap off spent flowers and cut finished stems to the base to keep reblooming types going.

Tidy old leaves in late winter. Every three or four years, when the centre of a clump becomes crowded and flowering drops, lift it in autumn or late winter, split it with a spade and replant the outer pieces.

Safety matters with this plant. Daylilies are highly poisonous to cats. Every part is dangerous, including the leaves, the flowers and the pollen, which a cat can swallow while grooming, and even a small amount can cause kidney failure. Do not plant daylilies where cats roam, and do not bring the cut flowers into a house with a cat.

Common questions

How long do daylily flowers last?

Each flower opens for one day. A stem carries many buds, and reblooming types send up new stems for months, so a clump is in flower from late spring through summer and often into autumn.

Do daylilies need full sun?

They flower most freely with at least six hours of sun. They grow in part shade but with fewer flowers.

Are daylilies poisonous to cats?

Yes, highly. All parts, including the pollen and the leaves, can cause fatal kidney damage in cats. Keep them out of gardens that cats use.

Do daylilies die back in winter?

In cold areas the leaves die down and reshoot in spring. In mild climates many stay green all year.