Daylilies: One isn’t enough for many gardeners

he largest flowers are those referred to as ‘Spider varieties’. They are so called because a single petal can be well over 9 inches in length. 

The shape of the flower today has many different forms depending on variety. Spiders are long and leggy, others are rounded, triangular, trumpet or star shaped. The petals can be flat, curly or pinched. On some varieties, the number of petals have increased allowing the flower be fuller and is referred to as a double. b4

The color choices have also expanded. Today’s Daylilies range from the near white to vibrant reds or deep dark purples, with all shades of pastel in between. The only illusive color is blue. Some have distinctive ruffled edges or throats. Others feature eyes and halos in beautiful contrasting colors.

Daylilies, or the official Latin name Hemerocallis, get their name because the flower only lasts a single day. While this trait still holds true the number of flower blossoms on a single stalk (scape) allows the plant to put on a great show for two weeks or more. To extend the bloom season, plant different varieties that bloom at different times.  

Almost all garden centers sell Daylilies, especially the landscape favorite Stella. Many years back Stella was a genetic breakthrough because she was a repeat bloomer. Repeat bloomers bloom in summer and then bloom again in early fall. However our growing season isn’t long enough to get that later floral display.

If you are looking for some of the more exotic daylily forms, the internet is your best bet. But be warned, daylilies can quickly become a gardening addiction. Home gardeners and professionals have found that the plants are easy to cross pollinate which has resulted in thousands of different varieties and hundreds of Daylily Clubs and Societies devoted to the plant.

Those in Daylily or Hemerocallis Societies enjoy trading and auctioning off plants. They attend and coordinate conventions where they meet specialized breeders. July is everyone’s favorite month because it means peak bloom time and garden tours. 

Even if you aren’t a member of a daylily club you can still enjoy many different varieties of daylilies at the Extension’s Parker Scripture Botanical Gardens, 121 Second Street Whitestown. The daylily garden is in peak display during mid-July. Visitors can check out our small sampling of over 100 different named varieties. 

When visiting the gardens please bring a piece of paper and pen, so if you see something you like, you can jot down the name. Just make sure it’s a BIG piece of paper because you’re going to want more than just one type of daylily.