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Hemerocallis is such an interesting label. While you may not recognize this Latin title, it is the name for the common day lily. The name, which comes from the Greek words meaning "beauty" and "day," refers to the fact that each flower lasts only one day.
So why would a flower that lasts one day take the gardening world by storm?
While most gardeners are familiar with the common, orange day lily, plant breeders have been manipulating the plant's genetics since the 1930s. These manipulations have produced some outstanding results. A recent check with the American Hemerocallis Society's official register.
Day lilies are popular in Utah because they tolerate our climate, soils and other conditions. Day lilies grow in a wide range of soils, from sand to heavy clay, and in a wide range of soil pH.
Be assured the plant is not a one-day wonder. The plants are covered with many flower buds on each stalk. Each plant has many stalks, so the flowering period of a clump is usually several weeks. Some cultivars have an even more extended flowering period.
Day lilies prefer full sun if possible but will grow well providing they get at least at least six hours of direct sun a day. Many varieties with darker-colored flowers keep their color better in partial shade during the hottest part of the day.
While day lilies show up on the list of drought-tolerant plants, they still need moisture to grow and bloom well. Sufficient water helps ensure as many blooms and as large blooms as possible. Water is particularly important in the spring, when the plants are forming scapes and buds, and during the summer bloom season.
Day lilies are easy to grow and come back every year. They also make an excellent ground cover and help prevent soil erosion. Some of the smaller varieties are good for border plants along fences or walkways.
In July and August when it is 100 degrees outside you can look out at your day lilies and they are just thriving. There are just no other plants that show up so well when conditions are so extreme.
Pest control is not much of a problem. Occasionally, aphids are a problem in the early spring and also thrips on the plants.
These plants were first used as edible plants in China and are still prized for that today.
If the plants grow well, they multiply. Digging and dividing is a regular part of growing daylilies. Do that after the plants finish blooming. You can do it in the spring, but the plants do not bloom as well.
Dig out the entire clump of daylilies and use a digging fork to spread the roots apart. There is usually a natural break in the plants, and you can separate the plants into quarters at that time. Then replant the plants and let them grow.
Written by: Larry A. Sagers Extension Horticulture Specialist Utah State University Thanksgiving Point Office
