Daylilies Aren't Blooming

Daylilies usually bloom for 1 to 5 weeks, from as early as spring until as late as fall, depending on the variety and your region. Each bloom will last a day or two before falling away, only to be immediately replaced by another flower. Daylilies are grown specifically for their beautiful flowers, so it can be disappointing and even alarming if your Daylily is not flowering.

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Common Reasons Why Daylilies Aren’t Blooming

  1. Root Bound

One of the most common reasons a Daylily may not flower is if the plant has outgrown its space. If you suspect your Daylilies are crowded or root-bound and need room to spread out, dig up the plant and divide it. The plant can be manually separated using your hands, or you can use a sharp knife to break apart the root clump. Each section needs at least 2-3 sets of leaves and can be replanted 18-24 inches apart.

  1. Poor Conditions

Any change to the environment can impact Daylilies growth and whether or not the plant blooms. Nearby plants that filled in may now block the sun, or even an addition to your house or a new shed may prevent the plant from soaking up the light it needs to thrive. Daylilies need about 6 hours of sunlight a day, and if the plant is not getting enough light, it may be at the expense of the flowers.

  1. Pests

Pests may also be the culprit. If deer or another animal ate part or all of the plant, you might not get flowers. A Daylily that experienced severe damage, like the entire plant being eaten or destroyed, is unlikely to bloom. If the plant experienced slight damage, for instance, if only part of the plant was eaten, it may bounce back, but it can take time.

  1. Fertilizing

Using the wrong type of fertilizer or applying fertilizer at the wrong time can prevent Daylilies from blooming.

Does Pruning Daylilies Help Them Bloom

Deadheading Daylilies or removing spent blooms can help encourage the next round of flowers to open up. Once a stem no longer has any unopened buds, it can be removed. Removing dead growth enables the plant to focus all of its energy on new growth.

Does Fertilizing Daylilies Help Them Bloom

Fertilizing Daylilies can provide extra nutrition to help the plant bloom. When planting new Daylilies or dividing and replanting existing plants, amend the soil with manure or compost. After the Daylilies are established, feed the plants 3 times during the year: spring, midsummer, and fall. You can use a 3-1-2 mix fertilizer and make sure to follow any instructions on the packaging.

How Do I Get Daylilies To Produce More Blooms

Removing spent growth and maintaining a feeding schedule can help Daylilies bloom. Ensure the plants are receiving plenty of light and an appropriate amount of water. Typically, when a plant stops blooming, something changed, and getting back to basics and providing ideal conditions will usually resolve the issue.

Why Isn’t My Daylilies Blooming

  • Plant needs to be divided
  • Not enough sunlight
  • Damage caused by pests
  • Incorrect fertilizing
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 Author Alison Cotsonas - Published 13-12-2021