The ‘Voyager’ Daylily, a cultivar of Hemerocallis, is a popular and adaptable perennial choice for many gardens. Daylilies, generally known for their resilience and vibrant blooms, offer a wide array of colors and forms. The ‘Voyager’ cultivar provides a captivating presence, making it a desirable addition for gardeners seeking beauty and ease of care.
Distinctive Features of Voyager Daylily
The ‘Voyager’ daylily has distinct visual characteristics. Its blooms typically measure around 5.5 inches across and display a deep red or maroon hue, often with a delicate golden edge and a contrasting golden throat. This mid-season bloomer can rebloom later in the summer or early fall.
Reaching 18 to 22 inches tall, the ‘Voyager’ daylily is suitable for various garden placements, including borders or as a specimen plant. It has evergreen foliage and is a tetraploid, contributing to its robust nature. This cultivar shows good branching and vigorous growth, ensuring plentiful flowers. The ‘Voyager’ daylily is hardy in USDA Zones 3 through 9.
Planting and Cultivation
Site Selection and Sunlight
For optimal growth, the ‘Voyager’ daylily thrives in locations receiving full sun to partial shade. At least four hours of direct sunlight daily promotes abundant blooms. While it tolerates a range of light conditions, ample sun exposure supports vigorous flowering.
Soil Preparation
This daylily prefers well-drained, fertile soil, though it can adapt to various soil types. Maintaining a soil pH between 6.3 and 6.8 is recommended for healthy development. Incorporating well-aged compost or manure into the planting area improves soil structure and provides essential nutrients.
Watering Needs
During its establishment phase, regular watering is important for the ‘Voyager’ daylily. Once established, the plant demonstrates good drought tolerance, typically requiring about one inch of water per week during dry periods. Mulching around the plants helps to conserve soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilizing
Most daylilies, including the ‘Voyager’ cultivar, do not have high fertilization requirements. Applying a layer of compost around the base of the plants once a year usually provides sufficient nutrients. If additional feeding is desired, a balanced granular fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formulation, can be applied annually.
Pruning and Deadheading
To maintain a tidy appearance and encourage further blooming, deadhead spent flowers. This prevents the plant from expending energy on seed production. Trimming back withered foliage, especially in the fall, helps prepare the plant for its dormant period.
Winter Dormancy Care
In colder climates, applying mulch around the base of the ‘Voyager’ daylily provides protection during winter. While the plant is hardy in a wide range of zones, this practice helps insulate the crown from extreme cold. Removing dead foliage in the fall also helps prevent fungal issues that might overwinter.
Propagation
Division is the primary and most effective method for propagating ‘Voyager’ daylilies, helping to maintain plant vigor and increase flower production over time. This process is generally best performed in early spring as new growth emerges or in late summer after the plants have finished blooming. To divide, carefully dig up the entire clump, loosening the soil around the root system.
Once the clump is lifted, gently shake or rinse away excess soil to better expose the roots. Separate the plant into smaller sections, ensuring each division has at least two or three leaf fans and a healthy root system. A sharp knife or spade may be necessary for larger, denser clumps. Replant these divisions promptly, positioning the crown—where the roots and leaves meet—just below the soil surface, about one inch deep.
Managing Common Daylily Challenges
Daylilies are generally robust plants, but they can occasionally encounter challenges from pests and diseases. Common pests include aphids, thrips, and slugs. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap, often congregating on new growth and causing distorted leaves or stunted development. Thrips are tiny, fast-moving insects that can cause silvery streaks or speckles on leaves and flowers. Slugs and snails feed on tender young growth, leaving ragged holes in foliage.
Fungal diseases like daylily rust and leaf streak can also affect plant appearance. Daylily rust causes yellow to brown streaks and small yellow spots on leaves, with distinct orange pustules forming on the undersides. Leaf streak typically presents as elongated yellow streaks along the leaf mid-vein, often leading to browning. While these issues seldom kill the plant, they can diminish its aesthetic appeal. Good cultural practices, such as proper spacing and avoiding overhead irrigation, can help prevent many problems. Removing infected foliage and maintaining garden cleanliness are also beneficial preventative measures.