What to Do After Day Lilies Bloom

Deadheading

• After the flowers finish blooming they begin to form seed pods. Seed formation expends plant energy and nutrient stores, which can weaken the daylilies or reduce the number of flowers. Removing the seed pods results in healthier plants and may increase the number of flowers. Since most day lily flowers remain open for only one day, you must deadhead them once or twice weekly during the bloom period. Break off spent flowers as they fade. Cut back the entire flower stem to its base after all the buds on a stem have bloomed.

Water

• Although the flower cycle is complete, day lilies still require proper soil moisture. Watering deeply once a week usually provides sufficient moisture. Provide about 1 inch of water, or enough to moisten the top 6 inches of soil. Prompt removal of any weeds that grow near the day lilies prevents the weeds from robbing the soil of necessary moisture. Continue to water day lilies until they begin to die back naturally in fall. The plants don't require winter irrigation.

Division

• Day lilies eventually become crowded, and they benefit from division every five to seven years. Although it's possible to divide day lilies in early spring, the best time is in summer right after flowering. Dig up the roots, taking care not to damage them, and cut the root system into two or three equal sections with a sharp, clean knife so that each section contains roots and leaves. Divided day lilies require replanting so that the crown of the plant, where stems emerge from roots, sits about 1 inch beneath the soil surface. Space the plants about 12 to 16 inches apart in all directions.

Winter Preparation

• Winter temperatures in your area determine the best care routine. After foliage dies back naturally, you should cut it back to 1 or 2 inches off the ground. Or you can wait until fall or late winter to cut back. A 2- to 3-inch mulch applied over the bed prevents frost heave and insulates the soil. Day lilies grown in mild climates can also benefit from fall mulching to prevent weeds. Day lilies don't require watering once they go dormant. Resume normal summer maintenance when they resume growth in the spring.