Originally Published In The Deseret News -- Wednesday, July 26, 1995
Hemerocallis Is 2Nd Only To The Rose In Popularity. Thousands Of Varieties Are Commercially Available.
There is really nothing quite as exciting to a gardener as visiting beautiful gardens and being inspired by them. I had concluded that there was very little need to write about day lilies this year. But after visiting numerous gardens of day lily fanciers, I concluded it would be a mistake not to share this information with fellow gardeners.
Seeing these magnificent flowers in bloom is sure to make an instant convert out of even the most resistant gardener. They have become the most sought after garden flower except for the rose. The explosion in day lilies is almost phenomenal.
The first hybrids were registered in 1892, and each year more than 1,000 new introductions are released by hybridizers throughout the country. Yet as recently as the end of World War II, only three varieties of day lilies were commonly grown. This has exploded to include many thousands available in commercial production.
The day lily's scientific name, Hemerocallis, means "Beauty for a day," because each blossom blooms for only one day. Don't let that scare you away from these flowers because established plants often produce 50 or more blossoms during a bloom season that lasts several weeks.
The plants have long been cultivated by the Chinese and were used primarily for food. The fleshy roots are edible and used in soups or salads, and the buds and flowers are used for stir fry or in other dishes.
Plants are perennial, with fleshy roots and large clumps of arching, sword-shaped leaves. The lily-like flowers open at the ends of leafless stems. The flowers are categorized as miniature, small, medium or large. They can be plain, pinched, rounded or ruffled, as well as single or double. Blossom colors are available in almost every shade or tone except pure white and true blue.
Day lilies live almost indefinitely and the clumps continue to expand. For this reason, most do best if divided every six or seven years. However, they are restrained in growth and not invasive, so they compete well with the roots of trees and shrubs. Most hybrids do not produce viable seed, so they do not become weedy.
These versatile plants adapt well to most situations and grow best in well-drained soil with average fertility. They are tolerant of both sun and shade, but the darker colors tend to fade quickly in full sun. They are hardy to zone three, so they will grow in all areas of Utah.
Regular watering and occasional light fertilization encourages abundant growth. Occasional outbreaks of thrips or aphids can be controlled by spraying the plants with water. Diseases are rare, and slugs and snails can usually be discouraged by hand picking or by baiting.
Although day lilies may appear to be delicate, tender flowers, they can be planted almost any time. Commercial nurseries sell year-round and many varieties are available locally.
Part of my enthusiasm for these flowers stems from the fact that those who grow them are so willing to share the beauty of their gardens and their knowledge of these wonderful plants. There are numerous local display gardens that are open to the public. Visit them now with pencil and paper in hand to record your favorite varieties to acquire to beautify your garden.
Although these gardens are open to visit, almost all are privately owned. They deserve consideration and respect from all visitors. For private gardens, call ahead to determine convenient visiting times. As you visit, stay on the garden paths and do not take pets or unsupervised children. Never pick the flowers or remove spent blooms, as they may be hybrids of a new variety. In some cases, the display gardens are operated by growers who offer the plants for sale.
With more than 35,000 registered cultivars, no gardener can complain that there are no varieties to like. Day lilies truly offer something for everyone. Whether you choose to include a few clumps with other perennials or devote large areas to unique displays, day lilies are an exciting and useful addition to any landscape.
- DAY LILY LOVERS MARK YOUR CALENDARS: The Utah Hemerocallis Society is having a display and public sale at the Sugarhouse Garden Center, Saturday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The sale will include bare-root as well as potted day lily cultivars. The club labels these cultivars with their picture for ease of purchase. In addition there will be a display of late-blooming day lilies and instructions for their planting and care. Day lily experts will be there to answer questions.
*****
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Visitors welcome at private and public gardens
These gardens are open for public viewing. Day lilies are at their peak for the next two to three weeks.
Bob Barnes garden
3894 E. Viewcrest Drive (4480 South)
Salt Lake City
(278-0806)
Fred Burdett garden
749 Sunset Lane
South Ogden
(479-7329)
Cannon garden
773 Oakmont Ave.
Murray
(262-0193)
The Garr garden
1657 E. Cherry Lane
Fruit Heights
(544-1023)
G.R.'s Perennial Farm
465 N. 660 West
West Bountiful
(292-8237, open for public sales)
The Gail and Pat Hansen garden
6414 Glen Oaks
Murray
(262-2300)
The Hess garden
1797 Park St.
Salt Lake City
(485-3493)
The Keddington garden
735 Silver Shadow Drive
Murray
(268-3774)
Kofford garden
1100 N. Eldridge Lane
Alpine
Gilbert and Pamela Pulley garden
455 W. 400 South
Provo
(375-7493; please call before visiting)
Craig and Suzann Pyper garden
514 E. Country Hollow Drive
Salt Lake City
(942-2288)
Red Butte Garden
at the end of Wakara Way
University of Utah
Sudbury garden
1258 Lavon Circle
Salt Lake City
(466-0121)
Karen Thompson garden
916 S. 1900 East
Salt Lake City
© 1998 Deseret News Publishing Co.