Daylilies do not necessarily need pruning. If they are blooming he althy and happy, they can cope without having to come into contact with secateurs. But when should a gardener be recommended to prune?
When should you cut back daylilies?
Daylilies should be cut back after flowering to prevent seed formation and self-seeding, in case of disease or pest infestation, for beauty reasons or for eating. You can also cut back the foliage in fall or spring to encourage new growth.
Cut to prevent seed formation and self-seeding
Many gardeners recommend cutting back daylilies after they have faded. Seed formation costs the plant a lot of energy, which it needs to bloom the next year. In addition, most daylilies are hybrids. As the seeds emerge and self-sow, they produce offspring that are weaker and bloom in different colors.
Cutting in case of disease or pest infestation
If your daylily is affected by a disease, it is advisable to generously cut off all affected parts of the plant. Pests also appear from time to time. It is often the daylily gall midge that lays its eggs in the buds.
- hatched gall midges eat the buds
- Consequence: no bloom
- Countermeasure: cut off thickened buds and destroy them
Cutting for beauty reasons
Pruning your daylily still makes sense if it no longer looks beautiful. When the flowers have wilted, you can remove them. In addition, the foliage is usually less attractive after flowering. It can also be cut off. New and he althier-looking foliage appears in no time.
In the fall, the wilted foliage can reach up to a hand high above the ground. Alternatively, the old leaves can be removed in spring. It can serve as protection for the plant throughout the winter. In spring it should not be cut off, but pulled out of the ground.
Cutting to eat
Pruning may also be appropriate if you want to eat parts of the daylily. The flowers and leek-like stems are edible, tasty and have many culinary uses.
Cutting after splitting
Last but not least, a cut should be made after dividing the daylily in spring or autumn. First the roots are dug up, then divided, replanted and finally the leaves are cut down to 15 cm.
Tips & Tricks
It is more optimal to break off or pull out the parts of the plant (as with rhubarb). This is more thorough and the plant tolerates it better than a cut.