Daylilies are the workhorses of the summer garden, but even these tough plants benefit from a little seasonal attention. Knowing how to prune daylilies in summer is key to keeping them looking tidy and encouraging more blooms. This simple care routine helps direct the plant’s energy and prevents potential disease problems.
Summer pruning for daylilies isn’t about heavy cutting. It’s a light, ongoing process focused on two main tasks: deadheading spent flowers and removing old foliage. By doing this, you help your plants put their resources into creating new flower buds instead of setting seed. Let’s walk through the easy steps to keep your daylilies thriving all season long.
How to Prune Daylilies in Summer
The core of summer pruning is what gardeners call “deadheading.” This is the daily or every-other-day task of removing flowers that have finished blooming. It’s a simple but effective way to keep your garden looking fresh.
What You’ll Need
You don’t need much to get started. Gather these basic tools:
* A pair of clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
* A pair of garden gloves (optional, but keeps your hands clean).
* A small bucket or basket for collecting the spent blooms and leaves.
Step-by-Step: Deadheading Daylilies
Follow these easy steps for the best results.
1. Identify Spent Blooms. Look for flowers that are wilting, browning, or have already closed up. The petals will look limp and faded.
2. Follow the Stem Down. Place your fingers on the flower stem (called a scape) just below the old bloom.
3. Make Your Cut. Use your shears to snip off the old flower, including the small seed pod that may be forming behind it. Cut right where the flower stem meets the main scape.
4. Move Along the Scape. Continue this process for each spent bloom on the same flower stalk. Often, daylily scapes have multiple buds that open in succession.
5. Remove the Entire Stalk. Once all the buds on a single scape have bloomed and been deadheaded, you can cut the entire stalk down. Cut it as close to the base of the plant as you can, without damaging the surrounding leaves.
Doing this regularly prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production. Instead, it might send up a new flower stalk for a second, smaller show later in the season.
Summer Foliage Care
While deadheading, take a moment to look at the leaves. Daylily foliage can start to look ragged by mid-summer, with brown tips or yellowing strands.
* Remove Damaged Leaves: Simply pull old or yellowing leaves from the base of the plant. They usually come away with a gentle tug.
* Cut Back Browning Tips: If only the tip of a leaf is brown, you can just trim the brown part off with shears. This keeps the plant looking neat.
* The “Fall” in Midsummer: Some varieties, especially older ones, might have foliage that dies back completely in the heat. If the entire clump looks brown and tired, you can cut all the leaves down to about 6 inches above the ground. Water it well, and fresh new growth should appear in a couple weeks.
Essential Summer Care Beyond Pruning
Pruning is just one part of summer daylily care. To support your plants, combine pruning with these other important practices.
Watering Wisely
Daylilies are drought-tolerant once established, but they perform best with consistent moisture during their blooming period.
* Water deeply once a week if rainfall is less than an inch.
* Soak the soil around the roots, avoiding overhead watering on the leaves to prevent fungal issues.
* Morning is the best time to water, allowing any splashed leaves to dry quickly in the sun.
Feeding for More Flowers
A light summer feeding can give your daylilies a boost, especially after you’ve cut back old scapes.
* Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a bloom-booster formula (higher in phosphorus).
* Apply it according to package directions around the base of the plants, then water it in thoroughly.
* Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen will promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Dividing Overgrown Clumps
Summer is actually a good time to identify clumps that need dividing, though the actual division is best done in early spring or fall. If you notice the center of a clump has fewer leaves and flowers, or the blooms are getting smaller, mark it with a stake. You can plan to dig it up and separate it when the weather cools.
Keeping an Eye Out for Pests
Daylilies are generally pest-resistant, but they can occasionally have issues.
* Aphids: Spray them off with a strong stream of water from your hose.
* Spider Mites: Look for stippled leaves in very hot, dry weather. Increase watering and hose down foliage.
* Daylily Rust: This fungus causes orange pustules on leaves. Remove and destroy affected foliage immediately and ensure good air circulation around plants.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with good intentions, it’s easy to make a few errors. Here’s what to steer clear of.
* Cutting Down Green Foliage Too Early: The leaves are the plant’s food factory. Never cut all the green leaves down to the ground in summer. This severely weakens the plant.
* Not Cleaning Your Tools: Always wipe your shears with a disinfectant between plants. This prevents the spread of any disease from one clump to another.
* Letting Seed Pods Develop: If you skip deadheading and let seed pods form, your plant will stop producing new flowers. The energy cost of making seeds is to high for continued blooming.
* Overwatering: Soggy soil can lead to root rot. Ensure your daylilies are planted in well-draining soil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should you cut back daylilies after they bloom in summer?
Yes, but only the flower stalks. Once all buds on a stalk have bloomed, cut the entire stalk down to the base. Leave the green, leafy foliage intact to nourish the plant.
Can I prune daylilies in July?
Absolutely. July is a peak month for deadheading daylilies. It’s also a fine time to remove any yellow or brown leaves to keep plants looking their best during the hottest part of the year.
How do you get daylilies to bloom again in summer?
Consistent deadheading is the number one trick. Removing spent blooms signals the plant to try and produce more. A deep weekly watering and a light application of bloom-booster fertilizer after the first flush can also encourage reblooming in some varieties.
What is the best summer daylily care?
The best care combines regular deadheading, deep weekly watering during dry spells, a light summer feed, and removing only damaged foliage. This simple routine keeps plants healthy and attractive all season.
Summer daylily care is straightforward and rewarding. By spending just a few minutes every couple days deadheading and tidying leaves, you make a huge difference in your garden’s appearance. Your plants will respond with healthier growth and, often, more of those beautiful blooms that make summer so colorful. Remember, the goal is to work with the plant’s natural cycle, helping it look its best while staying strong for years to come.