Warm temperatures have brought out the daylilies. Many of these have not bloomed before because they were in too much shade.
Daylilies are perhaps the most common colorful perennial of today’s gardens. The newer varieties were introduced a decade or so ago with the now common Stella D’Oro daylily. Since that time many new daylilies have arrived on the market to woo the buyer.
The plants are perennial through zone 3 and love full sun, even in the south, although they will take some afternoon shade. They will not bloom in shady corners though. I had a bunch of daylilies that really were not performing well in a too shady area that I transplanted last year. Many of them had not produced a bloom, so this year I have been delighted at the variety of blooms that I have. One stunning bloom is large and sunshine yellow with a streak of white down each of the petals. Another is almost burgundy with a bright yellow area at the center.
Each flower lasts just one day, but overall the blooms are consistent throughout the whole summer. I like to keep the plants tidy by snipping off the spent buds. This is a pleasant and clean garden chore to relax with in the evening. Talking a walk around the garden is also an excellent way to observe any changes in the garden. Look for bugs that might land on the plants and take a moment to look under a few leaves as well for eggs of insects. Also note any ants that are racing up and down the stalk of a plant – this can be an indicator of scale or mold. Frequently scale insects secrete a sweet sugary substance that attracts ants, so they are a good indicator of trouble brewing.
Of course on your trip around the garden take the time to marvel at a new bloom in the garden or a maybe a humming bird or butterfly that lands on your plants
