July and the daylilies are in daily bloom. Some daylilies are now rebloomers or constant bloomers like Stella D’Oro, especially the beefed-up Stella D’Oro version 2. Bloom colors of gold, yellow, pink, salmon, white, purple, and orange, along with bi-color and tricolor combinations, with as many petal color designs and shapes, make this plant a real winner in many categories.
Daylily tip: blooms need to be fed if you want premium show blooms in your bed. Fertilizer can be added into the water used to hydrate these plants so they may utilize the nutrients they need to produce blooms at their peak.
Daylilies are short to tall and have thin, wavy green leaves that move easily in any breeze. Movement of leaves and plant stems(if the plant is tall) adds a lot of interest in any garden they are in. We all are attracted to movement and the various subtle scents many of the plants have. There is a wide variety of daylilies to select from, so look at a lot of daylilies in the settings you find them and note which ones you like, which ones would fit a spot you really need a good fit for and find out the variety name for future use. Write the name down for this daylily, as you probably will not remember it when you look to purchase one.
An example of a unique daylily is Mico. This beautiful daylily is at least as tall as I am when in bloom, perhaps a little taller. The blooms look like giant spider-type blooms that sway back and forth in any breeze, showing off their brilliant gold blooms. Old blooms are just as attractive. They melt down to resemble birds of paradise barely hanging onto their stem perches. They look like birds in the wind. It is an ethereal look that grabs your attention. I recommend this daylily in everyone’s back border or as a center show specimen. Everyone loves Mico.
Hygiene with daylilies is basic when in bloom. Keep hydrated; daily is best, but hand-check the soil to be sure. You must deadhead daily. If not, your spent blooms may well cover your buds that have not come out and prevent them from opening. Deadhead very carefully, as you may need to pull spent tissue off the buds in order to assist their bloom cycle in occurring. When deadheading, walk one way and remove debris as you find it. When done, reverse your path and go the opposite way and do the same process. You will be amazed at how much you missed on your way back. It is also a good thing to do when you hoe. You always miss something. It is how gardening really is.
Weeds, weeds and weeding. When you water, remember the weeds probably drink more water than what you are trying to water, so remember: Weed, weed and then weed again. It is always time to weed; otherwise those rival weeds are laying in wait to outgrow the very nicest of plants.
I figure you should not complain about weeding either — after all, the weeds can’t move; all you do is pull them out, so best to just keep weeding — be grateful that you can.
Other pluses for daylilies are they tolerate all kinds of weather, soil, temperatures and the gardener’s skill level. They deliver every year with blooms that can be very, very beautiful, without the benefit of a ‘master hairdresser.’ Common sense, weeding, hydration and a lot of love is all you need. I know you won’t fail. And your exercise is free. Forget that clicky gym with fancy equipment and gym clothes — I guarantee day lilies are what you need!
Garden on!