Dazzling Daylilies

By Kerry Ann Mendez

If you haven't checked out the world of Daylilies (Hemerocallis) recently, you are in for a mighty surprise. 'Stella D'Oro', a small flowered golden cultivar, has dominated the daylily stage for years. While "she" certainly deserves accolades for being the first repeat blooming daylily, there are now MANY other cultivars that far surpass her in beauty, bloom size, consistency of rebloom and fragrance.

Colors Galore

Daylilies are available in all colors except blue. They range in height from petite (10-12") to veritable skyscrapers (72"). Blooms can be tiny (1.5" across) or huge (9" across). Most flowers have little or no fragrance, but there are some that emit a heavenly perfume. Daylilies can bloom early, mid or late season (similar to spring blooming bulbs). Each flower only lasts for one day, but with numerous buds opening on multiple stems, the average flower span ranges between 30 to 40 days.

A Season of Blooms

Daylilies designated as repeat bloomers produce flower-loaded stems continually over several months, providing a longer show. Repeat blooming varieties benefit from cutting back stems (scapes) to their base after all the buds have finished blooming.

Plant Them Practically Anywhere

Daylilies are also drought and heat tolerant, enjoy sun to part sun, are distasteful to rabbits (this cannot be said about deer), attract birds, bees and butterflies, have edible blooms, and are hardy to Zone 3 (30 to 40 degrees below zero).

So Many to Choose From!

Estabrook's carries a dazzling array of these no-fuss perennials. In fact, we typically carry more than 35 varieties different varieties. Check out our online plant catalog to see what's currently in stock along with photos, descriptions, growing information and pricing.

Stop by our Yarmouth and Kennebunk stores to pick out your favorites and add brilliance to your garden!