The Villages - May 2008 - (Page 48)

Villages Greenery in the Landscape The day lily (Hemerocallis spp. and hybrids) is originally from Asia, although it has become naturalized in some areas in the United States. It is called day lily because each flower lasts for only one day. They usually have multiple flower spikes, each with many buds, so the flowering time can last for several weeks or even months. Some cultivars only bloom early, mid-season or fall, but many can have several flowering cycles per year. I have seen some types that seem to have at least a few blooms on them during the entire warm season. Bloom spikes vary greatly in length, depending on the cultivar, from barely six inches tall to over three feet, and some cultivars readily make new plants on the old bloom spikes. These can be removed and planted, and they are genetically the same as the “mother” plant. Many day lilies can be grown from seed, but they will not necessarily look like the seed parent. Day lilies come in almost every imaginable color except pure white and pure blue, but I’m sure somebody is working on those colors as well. The flowers also can vary greatly from star-shaped to triangular, complexly round or even double. Day lily plants vary from those that go completely dormant in the winter and have no visible leaves to those that are fully evergreen and even bloom in the dead of winter around here. They all do best in rich, well-drained soil in full sun, but will also take some shade. As far as pests go, day lilies have their own special aphid insect that can be harder to control than other aphids. You will probably have to use something stronger than insecticidal soaps. They also can get thrips down inside the new growth, but they are pretty easy to control. Some cultivars can also get a rust fungus on the leaves, but this is usually just unsightly and should not kill the plants. It can be controlled with fungicides. DAY LILY 48 MAY 2008

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Villages - May 2008

The Villages - May 2008
Contents
Watch Stars Under the Stars
Latin Dancing Makes for Fun Fitness
Villagers Become Dragons
Eyes on the Prize
Making Graceful Moves in the Water
Students Create Culinary Ecstasy in Pizzas
Summer Plants and Flowers
Brain Exercises
Shopping & Dining Guide
Retail Briefs
Entertainment Briefs
Major Events
Snapshots

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