The daylily (Hemerocallis) is a perennial flowering plant known for its remarkable display of color. While the common name suggests a brief flowering period, it refers only to the lifespan of a single blossom, which lasts for approximately one day. The entire plant, however, provides a substantial season of color, making daylilies highly valued. The actual length of the flowering season depends primarily on the specific genetic makeup of the cultivar selected.
The Daylily Bloom Cycle
The daylily’s flowering mechanism is designed for sustained performance, despite the short life of each bloom. Flowers appear on a tall, leafless stem known as a scape, which rises above the foliage. Scape height can vary significantly, depending on the variety.
Each scape holds multiple flower buds, sometimes carrying over 20 buds on high-performing cultivars. These buds mature and open sequentially, with only one or a few flowers opening daily. This staggered maturation process is key to the plant’s overall season of color, allowing a single scape to produce blooms for several weeks.
The total length of the display is determined by the number of buds on its scapes and the number of scapes produced by the plant clump. Once all buds on a scape have finished blooming, the scape itself dies back. This process ensures a continuous series of fresh flowers over a set period, even if each individual flower is ephemeral.
Understanding Different Bloom Types
The frequency and duration of daylily blooming are primarily governed by the cultivar’s genetics, categorized into three main types. The most common varieties are single bloomers, which produce one main flush of flowers per season. This initial blooming period usually lasts three to six weeks, providing a concentrated burst of color.
Another category is the extended bloomer, defined by the length of time the individual flower remains open. These flowers stay open for 16 hours or more, contrasting with the typical 12-to-16-hour bloom of a standard daylily. This trait extends the daily visual display, often allowing the bloom to be enjoyed from early morning into the evening.
The most sought-after types are the rebloomers, also known as repeat bloomers, which have the genetic capacity to produce multiple sets of scapes throughout the growing season. After the first main flush of flowers finishes, these varieties rest briefly before setting new scapes, often blooming again in late summer or early fall. Reblooming cultivars can provide color from late spring until the first frost, making them popular for continuous garden interest.
Maximizing the Flowering Season
To encourage the longest possible flowering period, gardeners can employ several maintenance techniques. One common practice is deadheading, which involves removing the spent flowers daily. This improves the appearance and prevents the plant from expending energy on forming seed pods.
Removing the entire spent scape is important, particularly for reblooming varieties, to redirect the plant’s energy. Once all buds on a scape have finished flowering, the stalk should be cut back to the crown to prompt the production of new scapes and a second bloom cycle. Waiting until the scape turns brown allows the plant to naturally reclaim nutrients before removal.
Cultural care also plays a significant role in maximizing bud count and overall performance. Daylilies need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to produce the greatest number of flowers. Providing a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, in early spring as new growth emerges helps boost performance. Adequate and consistent watering, especially during periods of bud development and hot weather, further supports the plant’s ability to sustain its long-lasting display.