FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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The pricing for daylilies (and plants in general) can vary widely depending on a variety of factors. Here's a breakdown of what typically influences daylily pricing:

1. Type/Variety of Daylily

Hybrid Varieties: Some daylilies are hybrid varieties that have been crossbred for special traits like unique colors, larger blooms, or longer blooming periods. These hybrids often cost more than standard or wild-type daylilies.
Rare or New Cultivars: If a daylily is a newly introduced cultivar or a rare variety, it can command a higher price due to its uniqueness and the cost of developing or cultivating it.

2. Size of the Plant

Mature Plants: Mature, well-established plants often cost more because they are ready to bloom and typically offer instant gratification to the buyer.
Smaller Plants or Bare Roots: These are less expensive because they require more time to grow and bloom. Many sellers offer bare-root daylilies, which are more affordable but need time to be planted and nurtured before they reach full size.

3. Color and Bloom Type

Unique Colors or Patterns: Daylilies with unusual colors (like true blue, purple, or multi-colored patterns) tend to be priced higher than more common colors like yellow or orange.
Double or Frilled Blooms: Varieties with double blooms or frilly petals are often more expensive due to the complexity of growing and breeding these traits.

4. Rarity or Demand

Popularity and Demand: If a particular daylily cultivar is in high demand, its price may increase, especially if it's a limited release. Conversely, overabundant varieties might be sold at a lower price due to supply.
Limited Editions: Cultivars that are only available in limited quantities (or are very hard to propagate) can be priced higher for collectors.

5. Breeding and Development

Breeder's Reputation: Well-known breeders or hybridizers with a strong reputation may charge more for their varieties, as collectors often seek plants bred by these experts.
Cultivar Development Time: Some hybrids take years to perfect and are priced higher due to the investment of time, effort, and research.

6. Seasonality

Prices may fluctuate based on the growing season. Daylilies may be more expensive when they are in bloom (typically summer months) or when they are in high demand, such as during garden events or sales.

7. Container vs. Bare Root

Container-Grown Daylilies: Daylilies sold in containers (potted) tend to be more expensive than bare-root varieties, as the potted plant is ready to be planted directly into the ground.
Bare Root: Daylilies sold as bare roots (especially in early spring or late fall) are often cheaper since they are essentially dormant and need time to develop.

8. Shipping and Handling

Shipping Costs: For online sales, the cost of shipping bare-root or potted daylilies can affect the overall price. Shipping costs may include packaging and the delivery method (overnight shipping, for example, can be expensive for delicate plants).

9. Grower and Retailer

Nursery vs. Retailer: Some nurseries specialize in daylilies and may offer better prices, especially if they propagate their own plants. Retailers or online garden shops may mark up the price to cover their operating costs and marketing.
Direct Sales: Some people purchase daylilies directly from growers at lower prices, cutting out the middleman. Local gardening groups or online marketplaces might also offer deals.

10. Size of the Clump or Number of Fans

Clump Size (Fans): Daylilies are typically sold in "fans," which are sections of the plant with leaves and roots. Larger fans, or multiple fans, will generally cost more because they represent a more mature and robust plant.

Example of Daylily Pricing Tiers:

Common Daylilies: Prices can range from $5 to $15 for basic varieties, often sold as bare-root.
Hybrid Varieties: These could range from $20 to $50, depending on rarity and breeder.
Premium Cultivars or New Releases: Some of the most sought-after daylilies, especially those with unique colors or patterns, can cost $100 or more per plant.

So, pricing for daylilies is influenced by their rarity, quality, and size, along with the market demand and the seller's costs.

Generally, Daylilies are easy to care for. You can simply plan them, water them each day for a week, and then let them take root. You may not even have to fertilize them, or just do it once a year. But for more information, see below:

1. Planting Location

Sunlight: Daylilies thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Aim for at least 6 hours of sunlight a day for the best blooms.
Soil: They prefer well-draining soil that’s slightly acidic to neutral. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, improve drainage with organic matter like compost.

2. Watering

Consistent Moisture: Daylilies need regular watering, especially during dry periods, but they don’t like to sit in waterlogged soil. Water deeply, and allow the soil to dry out a bit between waterings.
Avoid Overhead Watering: Watering the leaves can promote diseases like rust, so water at the base of the plant.

3. Fertilizing

Balanced Fertilizer: Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) in early spring as new growth begins. You can also fertilize lightly after the first bloom cycle to encourage re-blooming.
Avoid Over-Fertilizing: Too much nitrogen can lead to lush foliage with fewer blooms.

4. Deadheading (Removing Spent Blooms)

Encourage More Blooms: Remove spent blooms regularly (deadheading) to keep the plant looking tidy and promote continuous flowering.
Use Clean Tools: Always use clean, sharp scissors or pruners to avoid introducing diseases.

5. Mulching

Keep Roots Cool: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch (like wood chips or straw) around the base of the plant to keep the roots cool, conserve moisture, and suppress weeds.

6. Dividing (Every 3-5 Years)

Rejuvenate Plants: Daylilies can become crowded over time, leading to fewer blooms. Divide the clumps every 3-5 years in early spring or fall. This helps refresh the plant, encourages more blooms, and prevents overcrowding.
Separate Healthy Fans: When dividing, make sure each fan (clump of leaves and roots) has a healthy portion of roots for a better chance of survival.

7. Winter Care (Cold Climates)

Mulch in Fall: In colder zones, mulch around the base of the plants with leaves or straw to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.
No Need to Cut Back in Fall: You can leave the foliage through winter for protection. Trim it back in early spring before new growth starts.

8. Pest and Disease Management

Watch for Bugs: Daylilies are relatively pest-resistant but can sometimes be affected by aphids, spider mites, or daylily rust (a fungal disease). Keep an eye out for yellow or brown spots on the leaves.
Good Airflow: Proper spacing helps prevent fungal diseases by ensuring good airflow between plants.
Remove Affected Foliage: If you spot diseased or pest-infested leaves, remove them immediately to prevent the problem from spreading.

9. Re-blooming Varieties

If you’re growing re-blooming daylilies, you might need to cut back spent blooms to encourage the plant to produce more flowers throughout the season.

That’s a high-level overview of the best practices! Daylilies are pretty easy-going once they’re established, but keeping them happy with these simple steps will reward you with gorgeous blooms year after year.

Do I dig my own daylilies at Daylily Connection?

No, we will take care of digging your daylilies for you. At Daylily Connection, we understand that choosing from our large selection can be overwhelming, which is why we strive to make the process as easy and enjoyable as possible.

Upon arrival, we provide you with a comprehensive master list of our entire stock, organized alphabetically by variety. This list includes detailed descriptions, as well as the location and price of each plant. Our staff will explain the layout and guide you through the selection process.

Our daylily beds are organized into two sections: A-T and X-Z. Each variety is clearly labeled on the south side of the clump, with the label indicating the specific variety located to the north. This makes it easy for you to navigate our extensive collection.

Once you've identified the varieties you'd like, you can make notes on the list, circle your selections, or cross out items you no longer wish to consider. Afterward, simply bring your completed list to the carport, where our team will create custom tags and attach them to plastic bags. We will then carefully dig the daylilies you’ve selected.

For each order, we dig a minimum of two fans, and each variety is placed in its own labeled bag. Once your order is ready, we’ll deliver it directly to your car for your convenience. Payment can be made to our daylily staff under the carport while you wait.

We also offer a comfortable seating area in the shade where you can relax as we prepare your order. You might enjoy some entertainment from our friendly pets or the sight of our beautiful daylilies swaying in the breeze. And for a truly peaceful experience, listen to the calming chirps of our Purple Martins as they come and go from their gourds.

We look forward to providing you with a pleasant and seamless daylily shopping experience!

What should I expect after submitting my daylily order?

Once you submit your list of desired daylily varieties, we will prepare individual tags for each variety and provide them to your designated digger.

How long does digging take?

On average, it takes approximately 2–5 minutes to dig each order. However, several factors may extend the wait time:

Factors that may increase wait time:

Soil conditions: Extremely dry or wet soil can slow down the digging process.
Customer volume: We operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and typically have one primary digger assisting all customers.
Order size: Larger orders require more time to dig.
Plant condition: Mature or densely packed clumps may take longer to remove from the ground.

What can I do while I wait?

We invite you to relax under our shaded carport while your order is being prepared. Feel free to bring a book, chat with our friendly Daylily Connection cashier, or enjoy strolling through the farm.

Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are hardy, perennial plants known for their vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom for one day at a time, though each plant produces multiple blooms throughout the season. With a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes, daylilies are popular for their low maintenance and ability to thrive in various growing conditions. They are perfect for adding beauty to gardens, landscapes, and floral arrangements.

We do not sell any other flower variety on our farm, including Asiatic Lilies.