Champion Daylilies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a daylily?
A daylily is a perennial (comes back year after year) plant. It has well defined wide grass like leaves which normally grow about 12 inches tall, then slope down giving it the effect of a fountain. The leaves stay green from early spring until late fall.
In the late spring a scape (stalk) shoots up through the leaves reaching various heights (from 10 to 40 inches depending on cultivar). Large numbers of buds form at the top of the scape. The blooms (averaging from 5 to 6 inches in diameter) then open in a rhythmic manner throughout the bloom season (6 to 10 weeks).
A bloom lasts only a day (hence the name daylily), but their grandeur and beauty are unsurpassed in the garden. The daylily is truly a magnificent plant.
What is the botanical name for daylily?
The botanical name for daylily is Hemerocallis (hem-er-o-kal-is). In Greek Hemerocallis means “beauty for a day”.
Where did daylilies come from?
Daylilies originated in regions of Asia. By the early 20th century, due to their hardiness and beauty, daylilies had spread throughout the globe.
What is a hybridizer?
A hybridizer is a person who cross-breeds daylilies. Dr. Arlow Stout (1876-1957) is the fore-father of hybridizing daylilies.
Why should I grow daylilies?
Beauty. Ease of care. Hardiness. Daylilies are the most popular perennial flower in the world.
What colors do daylilies come in?
Daylilies come in a wide spectrum of colors and combinations of colors. But, there is no true black, blue or white.
What is a re-bloomer?
A re-bloomer is a daylily that after its first bloom cycle sends up new scapes for another round of flowers later in the summer.
What are collector grade daylilies?
Collector grade daylilies are the very best of the best daylilies available on the market. They pose exceptional qualities of growth, bloom forms and colors that set them far above the normal daylily. Collector grade daylilies are all we grow here at Schumacher Farms.
How much sun do daylilies need?
Daylilies need at least 6 hours of sun per day to bloom properly.
How much water do daylilies need?
Normally daylilies require about an inch of water a week. But, they do not like to have their roots constantly wet. Let them dry out thoroughly between watering.
What type of soil will daylilies grow in?
Daylilies grow in most any soil type and pH. A good well drained soil with a normal range pH is best.
What kind of fertilizer should I use?
Daylilies love nitrogen. A high nitrogen 6-month slow release fertilizer is best.
When is it best to fertilize?
It is recommended that you use a 6-month slow release high nitrogen fertilizer in the early spring when growth first appears.
What diseases affect daylilies?
Daylilies are very resistant to diseases. See our page on diseases.
What insects affect daylilies?
Daylilies are very resistant to insects. See our page on bugs.
How deep do I plant my daylily?
When purchased in pots, plant at the same level as it was in the pot. Bare-root daylilies should be planted 1 inch above the crown.
What is a fan?
A fan is one daylily plant.
How big is a fan?
A fan can vary in size according to the specific cultivar (variety). Fan size is not always directly related to the bloom size.
What is a bare-root daylily?
A bare-root daylily is one that has been removed from the soil, exposing its roots.
Can I cut the leaves off?
Although the leaves are an important part of the plant, they can be cut at anytime of the year and will quickly grow back. Somewhat like your lawn.
Can I remove old scapes?
An old scape (bloom stalk) can be removed after it has spent all its blooms. Re-bloomers will send up new scapes. Remember, seed pods form on the old scapes.
How do I protect my daylilies in the winter?
Daylilies are very hardy. In most areas just leave them alone and they will do fine. In some of the more severe climates (like Canada) a little mulch may be needed.
Do daylilies grow new fans each year?
Daylilies, although remaining in a clump, multiply 2 to 3 times in fan numbers each year. Each fan has a scape loaded with blooms, so the more fans the more blooms.
Can I divide my daylilies?
Daylilies are very easy to divide. Older clumps should be divided every 4-6 years.
When dividing, is it ok to cut the roots?
Daylilies quickly grow new roots. We have found it best to cut the roots down to 3 inches in length when dividing. The old roots die off and quickly are replaced by new roots.
What time of the year can I plant daylilies?
Daylilies can be planted from early spring to late summer. We prefer to plant them not later then 6 weeks before the first fall frost.
Can daylilies be grown from seed?
Daylilies can be grown from seed. Two things to remember about growing from seed: One, it takes 2 years to see your first bloom. Two, you never know what the bloom will look like (or even its color) until it opens.
What does AHS stand for?
AHS stands for the ‘American Hemerocallis Society’. This is the governing body for the daylily world. It is a great non-profit organization that helps put standardization and control into the huge global daylily community.
Can anyone join the AHS?
AHS is made up of people like you and me. They have local chapters in almost every city. It is a fun way to get involved in daylilies. For more information on becoming a member go to http://www.daylilies.org/AHSmemb.html .
What is an AHS display garden?
An AHS display garden has been observed and approved by the AHS local chapter as to content and quality of their daylilies in permanent garden beds set up for display.
How can I order daylilies?
Orders can be made by fax, email, telephone or regular mail. Go to our order page to get further information and assistance.
When should I plant my bare-root daylilies?
Although daylilies can survive for extended periods of time out of the ground, it is best to prepare your soil ahead of time and plant them as soon as you receive them. If you have to wait a day or two, keep the bare-root daylilies in a cool dry place out of the sun. Do not let your bare-root daylilies get wet until they have been planted.
When will my bare-root daylilies bloom?
It depends on the time of the year you plant them. Daylilies are basically a late spring to an early summer bloomer (the first time around). The earlier in the spring that you plant them the better results you will have for blooms that same summer.
What is the difference between tetraploid and diploid?
This refers to the chromosomes in each daylily. Diploids have 22 chromosomes, tetraploids have 44.
Do tetraploids and diploids look different?
Although some people believe that tetraploids are more colorful, I personally think both have their outstanding qualities.
Can I email you with other question I may have?
We are always happy to help you with your questions. See our Your Questions page. We look forward to hearing from you.