Want more blooms from your day lilies?
Pruning is the key!
Knowing when and how to prune can make a big difference. Follow these tips to get the most out of your beautiful day lilies.
Ready to see more flowers?
Let’s get started!
When to Prune Your Day Lilies
Time your pruning just right for the best results! Typically, you’ll want to prune your day lilies in the late fall after the first frost hits.
This is when the leaves start to turn yellow and wither. However, if you’re in a warmer climate where frost isn’t a thing, wait until the leaves naturally begin to die back.
Avoid pruning too early, or you’ll miss out on important nutrients the plant absorbs from those leaves.
Gather Your Tools
Get your gear organized before you jump into the pruning process. You’ll need:
- Sharp pruning shears
- Gardening gloves
- A bucket or trash bag for clippings
Trust me, having everything ready makes the whole chore much smoother.
Cut Back Spent Blooms
Once your day lilies are done blooming, they’ll develop these things called seed pods. Cut these off to keep your plant looking neat and encourage more blooms.
Snip the flower stalks down near the base, but avoid cutting any foliage just yet. Focus only on the spent blooms at this stage.
Trim the Foliage
Now that the blooms are taken care of, it’s time to tackle the leaves. When the foliage starts looking ragged and yellow, you can safely trim it back.
Cut the leaves down to about an inch or two above the ground. Removing the old foliage helps the plant come back strong next year.
Dispose of Clippings Properly
Get rid of those clippings to prevent any disease from spreading. Composting is a great way to recycle your plant material, but if you’ve noticed any signs of disease, it’s better to trash it.
You don’t want to risk any issues in your compost heap!
Mulch for Winter Protection
Pruning done? Awesome!
Now let’s protect those day lilies for the colder months. Add a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to insulate them.
Use about 2-3 inches of mulch, like straw or shredded leaves. This gives your day lilies the best chance to bounce back beautifully in the spring.