A Guide on How to Divide Day Lilies
Daylilies are a beloved garden staple – they’re tough, beautiful, and incredibly easy to care for. However, over time, even the most resilient daylily clumps get crowded. Dividing these perennials every few years keeps them healthy, promotes abundant flowering, and gives you more plants to expand your garden or share with friends!
When to Divide Daylilies
- Best Times: The ideal time to divide daylilies is early spring (as new growth begins) or late summer/early fall (after they finish blooming). This avoids stressing the plants during peak flowering.
- Can I Do It Now?: If you must divide them outside of the ideal times, it’s usually better to wait until after flowering is finished.
Tools You’ll Need
- Garden Fork or Spade: For lifting the clump from the ground.
- Sharp Knife or Pruning Shears: To separate sections of the daylily.
- Hose or Bucket of Water: To clean the roots for easy division.
How to Divide Daylilies: Step-by-Step
- Dig Up the Clump: Carefully dig around the entire daylily clump, aiming to lift most of the root mass. Try to minimize root damage.
- Clean the Roots: Gently shake off excess soil or use a hose to rinse the roots. This makes it easier to see where to divide.
- Separate the Clump: Daylilies have fans of leaves connected by roots. Look for natural divisions where fans can be pulled apart or use your knife/shears to cut sections. Each division should have several leaves and healthy roots.
- Trim Back: Cut the leaves to around 6-8 inches and trim any excessively long roots for easier planting.
- Replant: Replant your divisions in well-draining soil, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart. Plant at the same depth they were growing before, with the crown (where roots and leaves meet) just below the soil surface.
- Water Thoroughly: Give your newly divided daylilies a good drink of water to help them settle into their new home.
Tips for Success
- Divide Every 3-5 Years: Regular division promotes healthy daylilies and abundant blooms.
- Amend Your Soil: Add compost when replanting for a nutrient boost.
- Share the Wealth: Gift extra divisions to fellow gardeners!
Enjoy Your Revitalized Daylilies!
Dividing your daylilies is a simple process that rewards you with lush, abundant blooms for years to come. With a little effort, you can keep your daylily display vibrant and thriving!
