Multiply Your Blooms: A Comprehensive Guide to Dividing Daylilies

Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are beloved perennials prized for their vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers and easy-care nature. They come in a stunning array of colors, shapes, and sizes, making them a favorite among gardeners of all levels. While daylilies are relatively low-maintenance, they benefit significantly from division every few years. Dividing your daylilies not only rejuvenates the plants and encourages more prolific blooming but also allows you to propagate new plants for free, expanding your garden or sharing with friends and neighbors. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring successful daylily division.

Why Divide Daylilies? The Benefits of Division

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s explore why dividing daylilies is so important:

* **Rejuvenation:** Over time, daylily clumps can become overcrowded, leading to decreased flowering and vigor. Division provides more space for each plant to thrive, resulting in healthier, more robust growth and increased bloom production.
* **Increased Blooming:** When daylilies become congested, they often produce fewer flowers. Dividing them gives each division more access to nutrients, water, and sunlight, stimulating more abundant flowering.
* **Propagation:** Division is the easiest and most reliable way to propagate daylilies. You can effectively multiply your plants without the need for seeds or other more complex propagation methods.
* **Disease Prevention:** Overcrowded clumps can be more susceptible to pests and diseases. Division improves air circulation around the plants, reducing the risk of problems.
* **Control Size and Shape:** Division allows you to control the size and shape of your daylily beds, keeping them tidy and well-maintained.

When to Divide Daylilies: Timing is Key

The best time to divide daylilies is either in the early spring (before new growth emerges) or in the late summer/early fall (after they have finished blooming). Avoid dividing them during the heat of summer, as this can stress the plants.

* **Spring Division:** Spring division allows the newly divided plants to establish themselves before the summer heat arrives. This is often preferred in colder climates.
* **Fall Division:** Fall division gives the plants time to develop roots before winter dormancy. This is a good option in warmer climates with mild winters. However, ensure that you divide them at least six weeks before the first expected frost to allow sufficient time for root establishment.

Consider your local climate and the specific daylily variety when deciding on the best time for division. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and divide in early spring.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:

* **Garden Fork or Spade:** For lifting the daylily clump from the ground.
* **Sharp Knife or Hori-Hori Knife:** For dividing the clump into individual divisions. A sturdy, sharp knife is essential for clean cuts.
* **Trowel:** For planting the divisions.
* **Garden Hose:** For watering the plants.
* **Bucket or Tarp:** To hold the divisions and keep them from drying out.
* **Gloves:** To protect your hands.
* **Optional: Fungicide:** A fungicide can be used to dip the divided roots as added precaution against root rot.
* **Optional: Compost or Well-Rotted Manure:** To enrich the soil when replanting.

Step-by-Step Guide to Dividing Daylilies

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: the division process itself. Follow these steps carefully for successful daylily division:

**Step 1: Prepare the Planting Site**

Before you dig up the daylily clump, prepare the new planting site. Daylilies thrive in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Choose a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and drainage. Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the division.

**Step 2: Dig Up the Daylily Clump**

Using a garden fork or spade, carefully dig around the daylily clump, being sure to stay several inches away from the base of the plant to avoid damaging the roots. Loosen the soil around the entire clump, then gently lift it from the ground. If the clump is large and heavy, you may need to enlist the help of a friend.

**Step 3: Clean the Roots**

Once you’ve lifted the clump from the ground, gently remove any excess soil from the roots. You can use a garden hose to wash away the soil, making it easier to see the individual divisions.

**Step 4: Divide the Clump**

This is the most crucial step in the process. Examine the clump carefully to identify the natural divisions. Each division should have at least two or three fans (sets of leaves) and a healthy root system. Using a sharp knife or hori-hori knife, carefully cut through the crown (the point where the roots and leaves meet) to separate the divisions. You may need to use some force, but try to avoid tearing the roots.

* **Dealing with Tough Clumps:** If the clump is particularly dense and difficult to divide, you can use two garden forks placed back-to-back and gently pry the divisions apart. Alternatively, you can use an old saw or a reciprocating saw with a pruning blade to cut through the crown.
* **Discarding Old Growth:** Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased foliage and roots. This will help to prevent the spread of disease and encourage new growth.

**Step 5: Inspect and Trim the Roots (Optional)**

After dividing the clump, inspect the roots of each division. Trim away any long, tangled, or damaged roots. This will encourage the growth of new, healthy roots.

**Step 6: Replant the Divisions**

Plant the divisions in the prepared holes, making sure that the crown of the plant is at or slightly below the soil surface. Backfill the holes with soil, gently firming it around the roots. Water thoroughly to settle the soil.

* **Spacing:** Space the divisions according to the mature size of the daylily variety. Generally, a spacing of 18-24 inches is sufficient for most varieties.
* **Adding Fertilizer:** You can add a slow-release fertilizer to the planting hole to provide the divisions with a boost of nutrients. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package.

**Step 7: Water and Mulch**

After planting, water the divisions thoroughly. Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use an organic mulch such as shredded bark, wood chips, or straw.

**Step 8: Ongoing Care**

* **Watering:** Water the newly divided daylilies regularly, especially during dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
* **Fertilizing:** Fertilize the daylilies in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering.
* **Deadheading:** Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming. Cut the flower stalks back to the base of the plant after all the flowers have faded.
* **Pest and Disease Control:** Monitor the daylilies for pests and diseases. Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Diseases include rust, leaf streak, and crown rot. Treat any problems promptly with appropriate insecticides or fungicides.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even with careful planning and execution, you may encounter some challenges when dividing daylilies. Here are some common problems and how to address them:

* **Divisions Fail to Thrive:** If the divisions fail to thrive after replanting, it could be due to several factors, such as poor soil drainage, insufficient sunlight, or inadequate watering. Ensure that the divisions are planted in well-drained soil, receive at least six hours of sunlight per day, and are watered regularly. You can also try adding a root stimulator to the soil to encourage root growth.
* **Yellowing Leaves:** Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency. Check the soil moisture level and adjust your watering accordingly. If the soil is consistently moist, reduce your watering frequency. If the soil is dry, water more frequently. You can also try fertilizing the plants with a balanced fertilizer.
* **Lack of Blooming:** If the daylilies fail to bloom after division, it could be due to insufficient sunlight, inadequate fertilization, or stress from the division process. Ensure that the plants are receiving at least six hours of sunlight per day and fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer in the spring. Be patient, as it may take a year or two for the divisions to bloom prolifically.
* **Root Rot:** Root rot is a fungal disease that can occur in poorly drained soil. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing leaves, and a foul odor coming from the soil. To prevent root rot, ensure that the daylilies are planted in well-drained soil. If root rot does occur, remove the affected plants and treat the soil with a fungicide.
* **Pests:** Aphids, spider mites, and thrips can infest daylilies. Regularly inspect the plants for signs of infestation and treat promptly with an appropriate insecticide.

Tips for Success

Here are some additional tips to help you succeed with daylily division:

* **Choose Healthy Plants:** Only divide healthy, vigorous plants. Avoid dividing plants that are diseased or infested with pests.
* **Water Well Before Dividing:** Water the daylily clump thoroughly a day or two before dividing it. This will make it easier to lift the clump from the ground and will help to hydrate the roots.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Divide Vigorously:** Don’t be afraid to divide the clump into smaller divisions. Smaller divisions will establish themselves more quickly and will bloom more prolifically.
* **Label Your Divisions:** Label each division with the name of the daylily variety. This will help you to keep track of your plants and will make it easier to share them with others.
* **Be Patient:** It may take a year or two for the newly divided daylilies to bloom prolifically. Be patient and continue to care for them properly, and they will eventually reward you with abundant flowers.
* **Consider the Variety:** Some daylily varieties are more vigorous than others. Dwarf varieties might not need division as often. Taller, faster-growing varieties will likely benefit from more frequent division.
* **Record Keeping:** Keep a record of when you divided your daylilies and the varieties you divided. This will help you plan future divisions and keep track of your garden’s progress.

Daylily Care After Division: A Quick Recap

* **Watering:** Water deeply and regularly, especially during the first few weeks after planting. Ensure the soil is consistently moist but not soggy.
* **Mulching:** Maintain a layer of mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
* **Fertilizing:** Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and flowering.
* **Deadheading:** Remove spent blooms regularly to encourage more flowers.
* **Pest and Disease Control:** Monitor for pests and diseases, and take action promptly if any problems arise.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Multiplied Daylilies!

Dividing daylilies is a rewarding and straightforward process that allows you to rejuvenate your existing plants, propagate new ones, and expand your garden. By following these steps and tips, you can successfully divide your daylilies and enjoy their beautiful blooms for years to come. So, grab your tools, get your hands dirty, and start multiplying your daylilies today! You’ll be amazed at the results.