Daylilies, once wildly popular, were a must-have in any garden. Today, after years of oblivion, they return to favor thanks to new, improved varieties. The painstaking work of breeders has resulted in the creation of daylilies with completely new colors and flower shapes, which make a sensation around the world.
Daylilies are extremely graceful plant material. First of all, because of the very natural look, thanks to which they fit into any garden style.Their greatest advantage is the extremely simple cultivation and resistance to pests and diseases.The flat, lanceolate, intensely green leaves hang elegantly like grass.There are varieties with white-striped leaves.
They are more sensitive to harsh sun, so they require sheltered places so that the summer sun does not burn them. Especially interesting is the variety Hemerocallis fulva 'Kwanzo' with leaves completely white on one side and green on the other. 'Ride The Wind' is also noteworthy. In this delightful variety, the leaves are intensely lemon-colored in spring and gradually turn dark green in the middle of summer.
The beauty of daylily flowers
We appreciate daylilies mainly for their beautiful flowers. The miniatures have a diameter of 2 cm, while the largest ones are over 20 cm in diameter. They can be funnel-shaped, round, spider-like, single or full (Polish variety 'Polish Truffle' is recommended), with narrow or wide petals, decorated with frills or with 2 cm spikes on the edges, as in the 'Fantastic Fringe' variety.
The color range of daylilies has also expanded significantly.In the past, single-color varieties were fashionable. Now, multicolored daylilies are rather promoted, although previously unprecedented shades are also gaining recognition, as in 'Coffee and Milk' in the color of coffee with milk. A single flower only lives one day, hence their English name: daylilies - lilies on one day.This is not a problem, however, as new buds develop every day, so the plant is sprinkled with flowers for at least 2 months or more.Flowers of different varieties open at different times of the day or even night ('John Paul the Great' opens his pistachio-colored flowers around midnight!).
Among daylilies everyone will find a suitable variety for their garden. Thumbnails will be appropriate for a rockery or borders. They reach about 20-30 cm in height.A very popular variety with golden, quite large flowers is 'Stella de Oro'.Medium varieties usually grow up to 50 cm. They are perfect for discounts. You can create compositions composed of daylilies only or planted in the company of ornamental grasses, geraniums, liatra, delphiniums, funkia or iris.
Giant varieties
Giants grow to over 100 cm, not counting even larger flower shoots. These should be best displayed as solitaire on the background of the lawn. Alternatively, they can provide a backdrop for lower plants at the front of the rebate. Daylilies, even the largest ones, are not expansive and do not threaten their accompanying plants.Moreover, they are completely resistant to weed infestation, they are not even afraid of aggressive couch grass.Daylilies are plants for the forgetful and overworked. If we plant them in a given place and forget about them, they will do well anyway.
Another argument to invite them to our garden is their longevity. They can grow up to 30 years in one position. Ideally, when we plant them in a sunny place. They require a minimum of 5 hours of sun for good flowering.They will also develop well in partial shade and shade, but they bloom much less there. They do not have excessive water requirements, but they grow best in constantly slightly moist soils. They can tolerate any type of ground. They prefer slightly acidic soil, not very fertile, with an admixture of moisture-retaining clay.
Full bloom
The earliest varieties bloom in early June, and the latest in September.Flower shoots grow well above the clump of leaves. They are so stiff that they usually do not need to be supported.However, varieties with large, massive flowers can break during violent summer storms or stronger winds. The record holder in the number of flowers is 'Last Snowflake' - it can produce up to 60 buds per shoot.
Daylilies should not be supplied too abundantly, because it affects their flowering. It is best to use fertilizers with a balanced amount of N: P: K 1: 1: 1 ingredients. Sprinkling with manure is not recommended due to the risk of root neck rot. It is safest to apply a slow-acting Osmocote type fertilizer in early April and a second time in mid-July.Plants do not require major cultivation procedures apart from weeding and removing faded flowers. They also don't need a cover for the winter.
The we alth of new varieties should encourage everyone to invite daylilies to their garden. Among the various varieties, everyone will find something for themselves.Daylilies are undemanding plants, they can beautifully repay for a minimum of care.They fit well in any company, bring naturalness and elegant chic. You can create wonderful and varied arrangements with them. Anyone who becomes convinced of these beautiful perennials will remain their admirers forever.
Planting and reproduction
The ideal planting dates are April and September when weather conditions are favorable. However, as undemanding plants, planted at a different date, they will also acclimatize well.When planting or replanting daylilies to a new position, we should cut all leaves in half.The easiest way to propagate plants is in spring by dividing expanded clumps.Each obtained specimen should be planted in a selected place and watered abundantly.
Beautiful varieties of daylily
1. 'Traumerei' - tall variety, blooms in the middle of summer, bicolor flowers. The plant has a high frost resistance.
2. 'Knights in White Satin' - very large, light yellow flowers with a darker frill.
3. 'Blue Eyed Butterfly' - one of the most beautiful varieties, leaves do not completely die for the winter, requires covering.
4. 'Heavenly Flight of Angels' from the group of the so-called spider daylilies. Lemon flowers with a greenish throat with a subtle scent, frost-resistant.
5. 'Taos' - large flowers in the color of blurred pink with a yellowish center and wrinkled edges of the petals, slightly fragrant. This variety blooms at the end of June.
6. 'Red Velvet' - a variety of high summer, single, fragrant flowers, intense red with a golden center, velvety petals
