Q&A for How to Divide Daylilies

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A neighbor gave me a bunch of divided daylilies a few weeks ago. They've been in a brown paper bag for a few weeks and they seem a little dry. Is it too late to plant them?

Lauren Kurtz
Professional Gardener
Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.

Lauren Kurtz

Professional Gardener

Expert Answer

This depends on the season you were given the daylilies. If they are dried out and it is spring where you live, they may be salvageable as long as you plant them right away.

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Question

How far apart should daylilies be planted?

Community Answer

12 to 18 inches is recommended. You can plant them closer, but that will crowd new roots and new growth. After a few years, you can divide them and plant those in an enlarged garden or share them with friends.

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Question

Is it necessary to fertilize the daylillies when dividing and replanting them? If so, what should I use?

Community Answer

No. If your soil has good organic material, you don't need fertilizer. Using mulch around the plant is helpful in reducing weeds, holding water in the soil, and protecting the plant through the winter.

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Question

If I divide daylilies in the early spring, will they bloom this year?

Community Answer

I don't think so. It takes a year for the plant to establish itself in its new location. I could be wrong, but I've been gardening for 34 years.

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Question

What kind of perennials fit well with hibiscus perennials in a flower bed?

Community Answer

Blue Iris, Yellow Day Lilies, or Delphiniums. Peonies and Poppies are my favorites and are similar in height to the Hibiscus.

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Question

Is it sometimes too hot to plant a perenial?

Kaitlyn Wislang

Community Answer

You can plant perennials in summer, however they will grow best when planted in spring, as this is the growing season.

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Question

Can I keep my daylillies together in a plastic pot until next spring to plant them?

Community Answer

Yes, keep through winter in pots, but do not water during winter. When you start watering, they will start growing again.

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Question

I only divided my Hemoncollis in two, is that okay?

Kaitlyn Wislang

Community Answer

Yes dividing the daylilies into only two groups is fine. However, you will get more plants by creating more divisions.

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Question

How do I divide daylilies that are covering a large area?

Community Answer

With a sharp spade and lots of patience and muscle. I divided/downsized a large swath of daylilies next to our barn about 10 years ago. Original area was approximately 6 x 40 feet. It took a lot of muscle and sweat for 30 days straight. The area was flowering less, more leaves than flowers. I shared a boatload of lilies with friends and I heeled in a bunch along the road we lived on. I divided the lilies by the barn to a third of what was they had been and planted other perennials between. Whole project took the entire spring, but was very much worth it.

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Question

How long does it take after trimming and transplanting for the plant to grow back and look like a daylily again?

Community Answer

The plant knows what to do. No matter when you decide to divide and replant, it will emerge anew in late spring. It will flower when ready. Some color bloom in early summer like Stella de Oro. In the northern states, most bloom in July for at least a month. Different colors bloom at different times.

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Question

What time of year can I transplant day lilies? Will they survive the winter?

Community Answer

You should transplant them in the spring and then they will grow again and have enough time to get established before winter. We live in the north where the temperatures get to -10 or more in the winter and my day lilies come up every year.

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