Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are popular perennial additions to many gardens due to their robust nature and ease of care. Their remarkable tolerance for various conditions makes them a preferred choice for division and relocation. When daylilies are moved or propagated, they are dug up, exposing their roots to the air before replanting.
The Immediate Survival Window
Daylilies are durable plants, capable of surviving out of the ground thanks to their fleshy, tuberous root system, which stores moisture and nutrients. Under standard conditions—such as bare roots left exposed in a shaded area—they can generally survive for a few days to a week. If the roots dry out completely, the plant’s ability to successfully reestablish itself diminishes rapidly. In a controlled environment, such as a cool location with moisture retained around the roots, daylilies can remain viable for up to two weeks.
Key Environmental Factors Affecting Viability
The survival time of a bare-root daylily depends on specific environmental variables. The most significant threat is desiccation, or drying out, which causes roots to shrivel and lose stored moisture. Maintaining high humidity around the root mass directly combats this loss, extending the window for successful replanting.
Temperature is another influence, as cooler conditions slow the plant’s metabolic rate. Storing daylilies in a cool location minimizes transpiration—the loss of water vapor—and reduces overall stress. Conversely, exposure to high temperatures or direct sunlight rapidly accelerates water loss and can quickly lead to root damage.
The initial condition of the root mass also affects resilience during storage. A large, robust clump with substantial stored reserves tolerates being out of the ground better than a smaller division. Even if roots appear dry upon removal, the plant is often still viable and requires rehydration before planting.
Short-Term Storage Methods
When immediate replanting is not possible, short-term methods can extend bare-root survival from days to several weeks. An effective technique is using slightly dampened materials to maintain a humid environment around the roots.
Materials for Wrapping
- Peat moss
- Wood shavings
- Shredded newspaper
- Burlap
These materials should be lightly moistened and wrapped around the root system to prevent air exposure and moisture evaporation.
After wrapping, the plant should be placed inside a container or a loosely sealed plastic bag. This traps humidity, creating a microclimate that slows the drying process. Leave a small opening for minimal air exchange to prevent excessive moisture buildup and fungal growth.
The final step involves placing the contained roots in an ideal location. A cool, dark space, such as a basement, unheated garage, or a refrigerator’s vegetable crisper, provides the best conditions. Temperatures around 40°F (5°C) are optimal for slowing the plant’s metabolism, allowing the daylily to remain dormant and healthy for up to three weeks or longer.
Successful Replanting and Recovery
Proper preparation of the bare-root daylily ensures a smooth transition back into the soil. If the roots appear dry or shriveled after storage, rehydrate them by soaking in cold or lukewarm water for 30 minutes to an hour before planting. This soaking allows the cells to absorb water, plumping the roots and preparing them for active growth.
When planting, the hole should be wide enough to allow the roots to spread out naturally. The crown, where the roots and foliage meet, should be set no more than one inch below the soil surface. After backfilling, gently firm the soil to eliminate air pockets, followed by a thorough watering to settle the soil.
Post-planting care focuses on encouraging root establishment rather than immediate top growth. New plantings require consistent moisture, so a deep soaking once a week is more beneficial than frequent, shallow watering until the plant is established. Initial yellowing or wilting of leaf tips is a normal sign of transplant stress, but the plant will soon focus energy on growing new roots.