The ‘Lacy Doily’ daylily is a prized perennial known for its appealing blooms and ease of cultivation. Its distinctive charm enhances various garden settings, making it a desirable choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Its adaptability and showy flowers contribute to its widespread appeal.
Lacy Doily Daylily Characteristics
The ‘Lacy Doily’ daylily (Hemerocallis ‘Lacy Doily’) produces large, double flowers three to five inches across. These blooms feature multi-ruffled petals in delicate shades of coral and apricot, often complemented by a contrasting green throat. The flowers are also noted for their pleasant fragrance.
This daylily cultivar exhibits an extended blooming period, with its main flush of flowers appearing from early to mid-summer. It is a reblooming variety, providing continuous color throughout summer and into late summer. The plant forms dense clumps of dark green, strap-like foliage. Mature ‘Lacy Doily’ daylilies reach a height of 18 to 24 inches and spread 24 to 28 inches wide. It is hardy in USDA zones 2 through 9.
Planting Lacy Doily Daylily
For successful establishment, select an appropriate site. ‘Lacy Doily’ daylilies perform best in full sun, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight, though they tolerate partial shade. Good air circulation is beneficial; avoid low, wet spots where water collects.
Daylilies adapt to various soil types but flourish in rich, well-draining soil. Amending the planting area with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure improves soil structure and fertility. For heavy clay or sandy soils, these amendments enhance drainage and moisture retention. Raised beds can also be considered for poor drainage.
Plant ‘Lacy Doily’ daylilies in spring or fall. If planting in fall, do so at least six weeks before the first hard frost to allow root establishment.
Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball. For bare-root plants, create a small soil cone in the hole’s center and spread roots over it. Position the plant so the crown, where the leaves meet the roots, is about one inch below the soil surface. Backfill the hole, tamp gently to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly. Space plants 18 to 36 inches apart to prevent overcrowding.
Caring for Lacy Doily Daylily
Consistent watering benefits ‘Lacy Doily’ daylilies. Newly planted ones need water every few days for the first two weeks, then one to two times weekly for their first season. Established plants are drought-tolerant but benefit from about one inch of water per week during dry periods. Watering deeply in the morning allows foliage to dry before nightfall, deterring fungal issues.
In well-amended soil, ‘Lacy Doily’ daylilies require minimal fertilization. To encourage growth and blooming, apply a slow-release granular fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring as new growth emerges. An additional application a few weeks after the main bloom period supports the plant’s energy reserves and future performance. Organic compost or aged manure can also enrich the soil around the plant base.
Deadheading, the removal of spent blooms, is not strictly necessary for the plant’s survival, but it significantly improves its appearance and encourages more flowers. Removing faded blooms redirects energy from seed production to new blooms and root strengthening. This can be done daily during peak bloom by pinching off individual spent flowers at their base.
Overcrowded daylily clumps may reduce flowering. Divide ‘Lacy Doily’ daylilies every three to five years to maintain vigor and abundant blooms. The best times for division are early spring as new growth appears, or late summer to early fall after blooming. To divide, dig up the clump, trim foliage to six to eight inches, and separate the root mass into smaller sections, ensuring each has three to four leaf fans and a healthy root system. Replant divisions immediately at a similar depth.
Winter care for ‘Lacy Doily’ daylilies is straightforward; they are hardy and enter dormancy. After the first hard frost, foliage dies back. Cut back dead foliage in fall or early spring before new growth. Apply a two to three-inch layer of mulch around the plant’s base in late fall to insulate roots and protect against freeze-thaw cycles in colder climates. Move potted ‘Lacy Doily’ daylilies to a protected, unheated space like a garage or shed for winter.
Troubleshooting Lacy Doily Daylily Issues
If ‘Lacy Doily’ daylilies are not blooming, insufficient sunlight (less than six hours daily) is a common cause, as adequate light is essential for flower production. Overcrowding of mature clumps can also diminish flowering, requiring division. A lack of soil nutrients might hinder bloom development, addressed through fertilization.
Daylilies are robust, but issues can arise. Crown rot, indicated by yellowing leaves or a mushy crown, results from overly wet or poorly draining soil. Ensure proper drainage at planting and avoid overwatering to prevent this. Fungal problems like leaf spot can occur; morning watering allows foliage to dry quickly, reducing risk.
Foliage problems, such as yellowing leaves or browning tips, often indicate watering imbalances. Both underwatering and overwatering can stress the plant, manifesting as discolored foliage. Check soil moisture before watering to maintain balance. While daylilies are relatively pest-resistant, general garden pests like aphids or thrips may appear, though specific treatments are rarely needed beyond general pest management.