Daylilies!

Every year we look forward to the glorious display the daylilies make in July.  They are truly spectacular.

Our orange daylilies(Hemerocallis fulva) grow to between three and four feet tall, and the flowers get to be between 3 and 5 inches in size.  There are many other varieties of daylilies and their sizes vary as much as eight inches to five feet, with flowers ranging from 2 to 8 inches.

Daylilies, while they can be afflicted by pests or diseases, are rarely bothered by them.  They are known to be hardy plants.

Barn Display

Midsummer is the time of year that is so gorgeous as the flowers open in front of the big red barn.

Daylilies are a great plant within the realm of Permaculture.  They have quite a few purposes, which qualifies them as “stacking functions.”

Daylilies’ Multiple Functions

They have lasting beauty!  Did you know the reason they are called daylilies?  It’s because each blossom opens for just a day.  One stem has many buds, prolonging the “show.”

If I cut a stem to bring into the house for a vase, I make sure there are plenty of other buds on it.    As the buds fade and droop, I remove them.  The cheerful, orange color is uplifting.

They are compatible with numerous other plants.  My particular favorites to plant with daylilies include Evening Primroses, Sedum, and chives.

Did you know that these flowers are perennial?  They come back to bless us with their presence every year, in greater abundance each time they bloom.

Did you know that in some cultures, daylilies are also food?  Supposedly, the blossoms and buds can, allegedly, be sautéed, or dipped in batter and fried.   I’ve never tried doing this, but I’ve read that it’s quite tasty.  *Disclaimer – if you are going to try this, do your research first and  do it at your own risk! 

Other Fun Facts

These lilies were already in place when we bought the property.  I’ve done very little to them, except occasionally rake out and thin them.  When I thin the lilies, I plant them elsewhere on the property.  This is achieved by clump division.  Simply dig up a clump of the roots (a.k.a. “rhizomes”) and separate them with your fingers.  Then, plant elsewhere.

They are very hardy, they multiply and spread quickly.  It is not recommended to divide a clump more often then once every two or three years.  Although, I have done it more often and the plants suffered no ill effects!

This makes them ideal for my gardening style, which is as low-or-no-maintenance as possible!

They are great in borders as well as in regular beds, and beneath trees.  The only limit is your imagination.

A bonus – fortunately, deer and other wildlife avoid these beauties.   Heaven knows, they eat enough of our other foliage!

Perhaps now is the time to try them out in your garden, if you never have before.

If deer, or other critters, like to come around your area to visit and dine, look into varieties that are supposed to be deer-resistant.  It’s also a good idea to find varieties that thrive in your local area.

Do you like daylilies?  I’d love to know your favorite places to plant them.

♥

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