When to Cut Back Day Lilies
- Depending on the variety, daylilies come into bloom late spring to September. It may take two to four years for some to reach peak flowering. For first planting, choose late summer for best root development, though they may be planted in the spring. Plant them in groupings by color, such as an area of yellow, an area of orange, an area of white, or mix your favorite colors all through the bed or border. They prefer several hours of sun each day. Break up the soil well, and add organic material such as compost. Be sure not to put them too deep. An inch of soil over the crown is plenty. Mulch, and keep up on the weeding. They are drought resistant and prefer moist, well-drained soil. Though each individual bloom only lasts about a day, giving day lilies their name, the flowers open one by one, prolonging the flowering time.
- In late summer, up to mid-September, when the plants turn brown, remove dead leaves and cut the remaining leaves back. Use a garden shears to cut them down within a few inches of the ground. To divide bulbs in large groups, use a garden fork. Two forks situated back to back can pry clumps apart with ease. For good results, plant them about 18-24 inches apart. Daylilies may go years without needing to be divided. Reduced flower production shows the bulbs may be crowded. Divide them to increase blooms. After replanting, add a layer of mulch and water them well. Mulching protects the bulbs and reduces weeds.
- It's best to cut them in the bud stage before the blooms open. It's fine to cut the stem all the way down to the foliage. The buds will open one by one in the house. To prevent stains from the pollen, be sure to clip the stamens before taking these flowers indoors. Display in vases or bowls. Daylilies work well in Ikebana, Japanese flower arrangements, or in traditional arrangements. Display them in the entry, in the dining room, and in the bath. Daylilies provide years of flowers, each plant blooming profusely.