Daylily (Hemerocallis 'Kindly Light')
hem-er-oh-KAL-iss
Genus:
Hemerocallis
'Kindly Light' has large, yellow-green, spider-like flowers but no fragrance.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
This cultivar has an diurnal extended blooming habit; its blooms remain open from the early morning until the evening, for at least 16 hours. Each flower lasts for only one day. It will bloom at the peak of the daylily bloom in your own garden. This ranges from May in the South to July in the North.
Care:
Daylilies are basically sun lovers. They bloom admirably in six hours of sun and will make do with less, but in the North, the more sun they get, the better. In the South, though, they appreciate protection at midday and do best under a high canopy of light shade. While daylilies will grow in ordinary garden soil and are not fussy about pH, they perform magnificently in soils that have been generously amended with organic matter--compost, rotted leaves, or well-aged manure. Moisture is the other key to growing really spectacular daylilies. Although their plump storage roots keep them going in times of drought and guarantee survival, an abundance of water makes all the difference to the quality and quantity of the flowers. Try to provide at least an inch of water a week in the North, more in the South. Mulching plants with shredded leaves or other light organic matter goes a long way toward ensuring moisture retention.
Propagation:
Divide in spring or autumn.
Problems:
Daylilies are strong plants and relatively pest and disease resistant. Some minor damage from sucking insects like aphids and thrips. Slugs and snails may damage young leaves. Rust is possible.
Overview
Height
1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread
1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit
Clumps
Growth Pace
Moderate Grower
Light
Full Sun Only
Moisture
Medium Moisture
Maintenance
Low
Characteristics
Showy Flowers
Bloom Time
Summer
Flower Color
Yellow
Uses
Beds and Borders,
Container,
Edging
Style
Cottage Garden,
Meadow Garden
Seasonal Interest
Summer Interest
Type
Perennials