Originally Published In The Deseret News -- Wednesday, July 13, 1994
- Larry A. Sagers Is A Horticulturist With The Utah State University Extension Service. - "I Like Day Lilies Because They Are Long Lived And Restrained. This Means I Don't Often Have To Dig And Divide Them In My Garden. They Are Restrained In Their Growth, With A Permanent, Noninvasive Root System."
-Larry A. Sagers, Horticulturist
I know of no plant with as many varieties developed during the past few years as the day lily. Prior to World War II only three varieties were grown in American gardens. Today 30,000 different named hybrids have been bred by day lily enthusiasts. They have moved from stodgy old plants that hid in the back of the garden to a stellar performer on center stage.
Day lilies' long and interesting history goes back centuries to the Chinese, who cultivated them for their beauty and as food. The tubers are edible and can be used in soups and salads. They get their botanical name, Hemerocallis, as well as their common name, from the fact that each flower lasts only one day. Hemerocallis means "beauty for a day." Although that might seem like a fleeting display, each plant produces 50 or more flowers in a season to make them outstanding performers.
Day lilies are perennial plants with fleshy roots. They are herbaceous, meaning that they die back to the ground, except in mild climates where the foliage remains evergreen. Their large clumps of graceful, arching, sword-shaped leaves are a perfect backdrop for beautiful, lily-like flowers. These open on branched clusters at the end of leafless stems that stand well above the foliage.
Day lilies range from 1 to 6 feet tall, with flowers 3 to 8 inches across. Miniatures have flowers less than 3 inches across; small day lilies are those 3 to 41/2 inches; and large are over 41/2 inches across.
Flower shapes are plain, pinched, rounded or ornamental, with or without ruffles. Most are single, although some double varieties are available. The range of color is outstanding. They come in every shade, tone and tint possible except pure white and true blue. Tetraploid day lilies, genetic variations with thick petals and very deep colors, add more varieties.
Each day lily plant has a bloom season that lasts three to four weeks, depending on the variety. Early day lilies bloom from late May into June, main season day lilies bloom in July, and late day lilies bloom August into September. New varieties are being selected that bloom again after their initial cycle.
I like day lilies because they are long lived and restrained. This means I don't often have to dig and divide them in my garden. They are restrained in their growth, with a permanent, noninvasive root system. They coexist well with the roots of woody plants, so they grow together without harming each other.
Many of the new varieties are available from local nurseries or day lily specialists or from catalog sources. Divide your own propagation stock in spring or late summer. Day lilies are only propagated from seed by those who are interested in selecting and breeding new varieties.
The best reason to have day lilies is that they do not complain about their environment. They are highly adaptable but perform best in well-drained soil with average fertility. They tolerate both sun and shade, but those with delicate colors fade quickly in full sun. The plants do best spaced 18 to 36 inches apart. They are perfectly hardy anywhere throughout our growing area.
Plant day lilies with bearded iris, daisies or other perennials. They also work well massed on banks, under high branching deciduous trees or used to define driveways or roadsides. Dwarf day lilies work well in rock gardens or as low groundcovers.
Day lilies are easy to plant and are one of the few that can be dug in mid-summer and continue to bloom without problems. Soak bareroot plants for several hours before planting them in the soil. Spread the roots out and place the crown firmly on a mound of soil so that there is no air pocket. Shallow planting is best since day lilies grow down into the soil and anchor themselves well. They are drought tolerant and get by with little or no water, but produce more flowers if watered sparingly and given an occasional light feeding. Remove spent blossoms and flower stalks to improve the appearance.
Another strong feature of day lilies is that they have almost no pest problems. Most varieties can be left alone permanently, although the more vigorous ones do best if divided every few years.
If you have never grown day lilies, take the time to introduce yourself to these wonderful flowers. They become true garden friends requiring only minimal care as they beautify your garden for many years to come.
Day lilies are now at the height of their season. Some local gardens offer public displays of these beautiful flowers:
- National Day Lily Display garden at the home of Don and Bev Sudbury, 1258 Lavon Circle, Salt Lake City.
- GR Perennials, 465 N. 6600 West in Bountiful, is a large day lily nursery with many varieties.
- Red Butte Gardens, at the mouth of Red Butte Canyon.
- Temple Square, with beautiful day lilies in the garden north of the South Visitors Center.
- Brigham Young University also has a large day lily display garden at 920 E. 825 North, Provo.
- USU/Utah Botanical Gardens, 1817 N. Main, Farmington, has a day lily display garden.
- Koffords' day lily garden, 1100 Elk Ridge Lane, Alpine.
- THE HEMEROCALLIS SOCIETY is holding its annual show this Saturday, July 16, in the Garden Center at Sugarhouse Park, 1602 E. 2100 South. Entries of any named varieties are accepted from 8-10 a.m. and a plant sale will take place at noon. The show is from 1-5 p.m.
- MR. AND MRS. LARRY SAGERS will conduct a tour of some lovely gardens in the Northwest from Sept. 12-17. If you wish to join the tour, contact Del Faddis, (801) 486-0247, for reservations and more information.
© 1998 Deseret News Publishing Co.