Daylilies

By Mary Jo Baur

To me, July is daylily month.  I have 3 or 4 different varieties in my garden, and one particular plant opens its first bloom on July 1, and the last flower fades on July 31.  It must have an internal calendar!
Daylilies are a favorite perennial and generally an easy-care plant.  They don't really need fertilizer and will enlarge their clump over the years.  They do well in sun or partial shade; and many gardeners find if planted near daffodils, they will hide the flattened leaves of "daffs" which begin to look unattractive after the flowers fade, but which should not be cut off until they yellow.  The withering leaves of the daffodil are storing food for the daffodil bulb to use next year.  Daylilies are found in orange, pink, yellow, red, cream and some purples.  They do not need to be divided to thrive, but if you need to move one because it has outgrown its space, dig up the clump in early spring, split it with a sharp knife, and transplant elsewhere, or perhaps replant just a small segment where the original grew.  Continue to enjoy their lovely blooms all July.