Last week we selected some easy care Daylilies such as Stella d Óro, Corrytown Pink, and Red Volunteer. Now we need to select and prepare a site. Daylilies appreciate as much sun as you can provide, but we have lots of partial shade at my house and they will thrive in it also. The soil should be well drained. Since our soil is heavy clay, the raised beds with added mushroom compost have worked well.
Preparing the Site
Dig the hole at least as large in circumference as the root spread. The plants appreciate a little soaking before you plant. The plants themselves should be clipped to one third their total height. Clip off any dead or broken roots. Power any cuts with a fungicide such as benomyl. Use 1 1/2 teaspoon per quart of water. I have also used a dilute solution of bleach. Use one teaspoon per quart of water.
The Final Step
If you have planted roses, you will be familiar with the next step. Mound some soil in the center of the hole. Spread the roots over the mound. Begin to add soil, peat, and perlite to the hole. Press down after each addition. When the soil is level with the plant, tamp the soil. Water well and apply mulch. Do not fertilize because the plant is under stress from root pruning and planting. You can add a root hormone to encourage development of the roots. Follow the package directions to apply the rooting hormone. You can get the fungicide and rooting hormone from most garden supply businesses.
You've planted your first Daylily! Keep the plant well watered for the first few weeks to encourage root growth. After the plant is established, you can add a little fertilizer. Next week we will discuss general culture of Daylilies.