How to Plant Daylilies (Hemerocallis)

Daylilies are one of the most dependable and forgiving perennials you can grow, which is exactly why gardeners love them. Known botanically as Hemerocallis, they produce wave after wave of colourful blooms through summer, shrug off heat and drought once established, and come back stronger every year. Whether you call them daylilies or hemerocallis, they're hard to beat for reliable colour. At Coast Farms, we offer daylilies selected for Canadian gardens, and this guide covers how to plant and grow them for years of summer flowers.

When to Plant

Plant Hemerocallis bare roots in spring, between February and May, once the soil is workable and beginning to warm. Early planting lets the roots establish before the main growing season and helps plants settle in well before flowering. Plant bare roots soon after they arrive so they don't dry out.

Where to Plant

Choose a location in full sun for the best flowering, though daylilies will tolerate light shade. These adaptable perennials grow well in a wide range of soils but perform best in fertile, well-drained ground with consistent moisture. They're well suited to perennial borders, mass plantings, cottage gardens, and anywhere you want dependable colour through summer.

How to Plant

Before planting Daylilies, soak the bare roots in water for several hours to rehydrate them. Dig a hole large enough to spread the roots outward rather than crowding them. Make a small mound of soil in the centre of the hole and arrange the roots over it. Position the crown, where the roots meet the foliage, about 2 to 3 cm (1 inch) below the soil surface. Backfill, firm gently, and water thoroughly. Space plants about 45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 inches) apart to allow for mature growth.

Ongoing Care

Water regularly during the first growing season to encourage strong root development. Once established, daylilies are relatively drought tolerant but produce their best flowers with occasional deep watering during dry spells. Remove spent blooms to keep plants tidy and encourage continued flowering. After blooming finishes, trim back the flower stalks and remove any damaged foliage. Divide mature clumps every few years when flowering slows or plants become crowded. A layer of compost applied in spring supports healthy growth and abundant blooms.

Reblooming and Variety Notes

Many modern daylilies are reblooming, sending up fresh flushes of flowers later in the season rather than blooming just once. If you want the longest possible display, look for reblooming varieties. Daylilies also come in an enormous range of colours and forms, from ruffled and bicoloured types to near-whites, so they're easy to layer through a border for continuous summer interest.

Quick Facts

• Plant type: Daylily (Hemerocallis), hardy perennial
• When to plant: Spring (February to May), from bare roots
• Light: Full sun, tolerates light shade
• Soil: Adaptable, best in fertile and well-drained
• Spacing: 45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 inches)
• Crown depth: 2 to 3 cm (1 inch) below the surface
• Bloom time: Summer, with reblooming types extending the season

Frequently Asked Questions

Are daylilies and hemerocallis the same plant?
Yes. "Hemerocallis" is the botanical name and "daylily" is the common name for the same plant. Note that true lilies (Lilium) are a different plant.

Do daylilies grow well in Canada?
Very well. Daylilies are hardy, adaptable, and among the most reliable perennials for Canadian gardens.

How deep do you plant daylily roots?
Set the crown, where the roots meet the foliage, about 2 to 3 cm (1 inch) below the soil surface. Planting deeper can reduce flowering.

Do daylilies bloom more than once?
Many modern varieties are reblooming and produce several flushes through summer. Older types often bloom once but for a longer single period.

How often should I divide daylilies?
Every three to five years, or whenever flowering slows or clumps become crowded.

Shop Daylilies at Coast Farms

Coast Farms offers a wide range of daylilies (Hemerocallis) selected for Canadian gardens and shipped at the right time for spring planting. Browse our collection, including reblooming varieties and standout colours, and pre-order your daylilies today for dependable summer blooms next year.