Most overlook this. 10 must-do things once your daylilies wrap up their show

Once your daylilies have finished blooming, it's important to cut back the spent flower stalks. This prevents the plant from wasting energy on seed production and encourages it to focus on root and foliage growth instead. Use a sharp pair of garden shears to cut the stalks down to the base of the plant. Be careful not to damage the surrounding foliage as you do this.

Daylilies can become overcrowded over time, which can lead to reduced blooming. Every 3-5 years, it's a good idea to divide your daylily clumps. To do this, carefully dig up the entire clump and use a sharp knife or spade to separate it into smaller sections, each with at least three fans of leaves. Replant these divisions at the same depth they were growing before, spacing them about 18-24 inches apart.

After dividing your daylilies, it's the perfect time to give them a boost with some fertilizer. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, applying it according to the package instructions. This will provide the necessary nutrients to support root development and prepare the plant for next year's growth.

Applying a layer of mulch around your daylilies helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots from temperature fluctuations. Use organic mulch, such as shredded bark or straw, and apply it to a depth of about 2-3 inches. Be sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the base of the plants to prevent rot.

Inspect your daylilies for any signs of pests or diseases. Common issues include aphids, spider mites, and leaf streak. If you notice any problems, treat them promptly with appropriate organic or chemical controls. Removing any affected foliage can also help prevent the spread of disease.

Even though daylilies are drought-tolerant, they still need adequate water to thrive. Water your daylilies deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time. This encourages deep root growth and helps the plants store energy for the next season.

As the season progresses, some of the foliage on your daylilies may die back. Removing this dead foliage not only improves the appearance of your garden but also helps prevent disease. Use clean, sharp scissors to cut away any brown or yellow leaves at the base.

The end of the blooming season is a great time to plan for new additions to your daylily collection. Consider the colors and types you currently have and think about what new varieties might complement them. You can order new plants now for fall planting, giving them time to establish before winter.

Healthy soil is crucial for the success of your daylilies. Test your soil's pH and nutrient levels to ensure they are within the optimal range for daylilies, which is a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Amend the soil as needed with lime or sulfur to adjust the pH, and add compost or well-rotted manure to improve nutrient content.

If you have multiple varieties of daylilies, it's important to keep track of them. Use weatherproof labels to mark each variety in your garden. Additionally, maintain a garden journal to document the bloom times, colors, and any other notes about each variety. This will help you plan your garden layout and care routine for the following year.