As excited as I was to leave the country this past April, and as great as its been to live in Spain for the summer, there have definitely been downsides. For example I had to forego planting my own containers, I’ve missed out on this years biennial foxglove blossoms, and I didn’t get to drool over the first vine-ripened tomato of summer. I’ve also been absent for the beginning of one of my favorite summer flower shows: daylilies.

From their vibrant blossoms to their grassy foliage, daylilies offer immense garden interest. Their basal, lanceolate leaves provide texture and movement for garden beds while large trumpet shaped blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Daylilies can be incorporated into any landscape due to their extreme size and color variances. From whites, pinks, and purples to vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges {like ‘Alabama Jubilee’ pictured below} you’re sure to find the perfect addition to your landscape. Try a dwarf lily such as Stella de Oro, Bonanza, or Little Grapette along walkways or at the very front of planting beds.

Once planted, keep the daylily on a regular watering schedule, which encourages deep rooting. Once established daylilies are surprisingly drought tolerant, which might seem a contradiction to their tropical flowers. For beautiful, healthy plants make sure to remove all old growth and leaves before new growth emerges in the spring, and divide plants every 2-3 years.

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