Wouldn't it be wonderful if there were a plant with beautiful, often exotic looking blooms, with troublefree and attractive foliage some of which remained unaffected by the seasons; a plant that could survive dry spells and frosts and grew so quickly that it could be divided up and spread throughout the garden? It turns out there is such a plant and its only crime is that its many beautiful blooms last merely one day: the Daylily.
The Adaptable Daylily
Hemerocallis, or Daylily (so named because its Lily-like blooms last one day before withering) is a great plant for virtually any type of garden. It works in cottage gardens, or can be used in mass plantings for more formal gardens. The Daylily's foliage is attractive, with its fans of lime green strappy leaves, and its flowers range from near whites, through the spectrum of citrus shades, into reds, pinks and lilacs. The plant copes with drought (although it obviously responds better with reliable water) and poor soil as the fleshy root system stores water and nutrients and it can be divided easily by the gardener and transplanted around the garden, making it value for money.
With at least half a day of sun, the Daylily blooms throughout Mid-Summer, and although the blooms only last from sun-up to sundown, if the plant is healthy the blooms will be prolific. It can be very exciting waiting for the long smooth oval buds to open up to remind the gardener just how beautiful the plant is.
Hemerocallis is by no means a Johnny-come-lately, the ancient Chinese used the plant for food and medicine and in Chinese literature the Daylily is symbolic for cheerfullness, which stands to reason when the gardener sees the beautiful blooms that open with the rising of the sun. Many of the varieties are edible, however, there are a few that are toxic so it pays to be informed about exactly which type of Daylily is edible before roots are chopped or flower buds are steamed.
There are many different varieties, enough in fact to suit any gardens: evergreen varieties that remain strappy and green throughout winter, and those that die back in cold weather only to re-emerge again quickly once the winter season is over. Miniatures can be found to fill small gaps in the front of cottage garden beds, or taller plants that send their flowers a metre from the ground that make a smart mass planting at the back of large beds. As they are easily divided, simply by splitting the crown of a large clump of daylilies with a clean sharp tool, it is easy enough to transfer divisions of the plant throughout the garden, and a good and simple way to trade to swap varieties with other interested gardeners.
Taking Care of Mail Order Daylilies
Daylilies are popularly bought from most good nurseries, and can also be easily obtained by mail order. Purchasing by mail order is straightforward, but if ordering for the first time, it may be wise to start with a cheaper plant initially. When the Daylily arrives in the mail, read any instructions carefully, and don't be concerned about yellow, limp leaves. Before planting up, allow the Daylily to sit in a bucket of water for a few hours to rehydrate. Once it has been planted, it is best to avoid dousing the Daylily with water for a week until the delicate hair-like roots grow back that enable the plant to regenerate in their new home.
The Daylily is certainly a plant to consider for the garden, it responds to minimal care, and provides the gardener with reliable beauty in both its foliage and flowers. It can be purchased to fit into any color scheme and can be shared with other likeminded gardeners. The Daylilies blooms never fail to please and they absolutely embody 'cheerfullness' in any garden.
Alyson Hill - Alyson is finding her feet at 40! She lives on five acres in Australia with three kids, a husband, and a menagerie. And while she happily ...
