Daylilies Not Blooming

Question:

For the past 3 summers my daylilies have bloomed so well. This year, half the group did not develop scapes, while half did and are now in bloom. They are in the same location with the same amount of sun, same type of soil, etc. Do you know what is happening and what I need to do to make these bloom next season?

Hardiness Zone: 6b

Thanks,
Natalie from Fairfield, CT

Answer:

Natalie,

It could be that your lilies are feeling a bit overcrowded. Once established, daylilies need dividing every few years. When kept in close quarters too long, their dense fibrous roots form masses and flower production tends to slow down or even stop. Daylily enthusiasts recommend dividing and replanting daylilies after they have finished blooming, in late summer, early fall, or early spring. In truth, daylilies are tough. Most anytime will work, but it's easiest when they have less foliage to contend with. Just make sure if you divide them in the fall, that you leave them enough time to become established before winter.

To divide them, cut back the leaves to about 6 inches to make them easier to handle. Use a pitchfork to loosen up the soil around the clumps and to free as many of the roots from the soil as possible. You may have to dig pretty deep to reach the perimeter of their extensive root systems. Using the fork, pry clumps out from the ground and shake off excess soil so you can see the individual fans (spray them off with water if necessary).

Do your best to separate the clumps-using a sharp knife to cut them apart. Dig new holes 18 inches deep and wider than the size of the roots and create small mound in the center of each hole to set the crowns on. Space the holes 2 feet apart and make sure the crowns rest under no more than 1 to 1 1/2 inches of soil when finally covered. Next season you should see more blooms.

Ellen