Day Lilies

If you have been out and about in Jasper County lately, then you have noticed all the lovely orange tiger day lilies that dot the side of the road, aka “ditch lilies” or, if you are lucky, the multi-colored ones in your yard.

Day lilies are probably America’s favorite perennial (that’s the one that comes back every year). Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they are also edible (learned that many years ago at 4-H camp). Their colorful petals taste like sweet lettuce.

The picture is of a day lily that blooms in our yard every year.. The bulbs were given to me over 20 years ago. The person who gave me the bulbs told me that they were from her grandmother’s farm in Indiana. Some refer to the double and triple petaled lilies as heirloom variety. I guess so since I inherited them.

If you were born without a green thumb then the humble day lily can change your luck with plants. As you have noticed we have been without rain for many weeks, yet the day lilies are blooming their fool heads off. They require hardly any care, just dig a hole and toss in the bulb. Since the bulbs make other bulbs, you will need to dig up the clump and divide, either plant close by or share with the neighbors.

According to the American Hermerocallis (fancy word for day lily) Society, the plants originated in Asia. Over 35,000 day lilies have been named and such cute names, Leprechauns Wealth, Carrot Top, Chicago Candy Cane, Red Mittens, Little Rainbow even a Mary Todd. Day lilies survive in Minnesota so you know they are hardy fellows, but, alas, their bloom only lasts about a day.

When is the best time to plant the bulbs? Around here, wait until the fall. Peruse some flower catalogs, search the internet, go to a local store that sells bulbs and flowers or look for them au natural or maybe from a friend, and you are on your way.