I have several thick "clumps" of daylilies on my new property that seem quite overcrowded. I wasn't sure what they were at first so I didn't separate them. Some of the blades are turning yellow in the undergrowth of the clumps and I'm afraid they will die off. Should I leave them be and see if they bloom anyway? I noticed a few buds on other daylilies in the yard but nothing on these yet, although the other buds just started popping up the last few days. Here is a picture...




Thanks!
Joanne

Those plants look fine. It is pretty normal to get a few yellowing leaves. ust pull them off and hope it's not RUST! It's also normal for different varieties to bloom at different times. You can wait and divide them early next spring if you like because blooms do suffer a bit when the clumps get too large.

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John - Zone 6

Alot of times you'll find cause it's at the
base of a house, you get a different micro~climate and it's alot hotter there..
Water a little more *and that will also mean,
more flowers, they like alot of water from spring time on to produce abundance of blooms*
Also, if it's a raised bed, it drains faster so that means even hotter..
And those look like the orange daylilies,
and those are extremely hardy and tough...

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Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2





http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/

Oh wait, if the yellowing was from too much water then all the daylilies would be doing the same. Nevermind!! I'll check the area and see if they need a drink.

Joanne

Have you had any critters tunneling under it?

My only other thought would be that the house and the base of the house is too hot for that type of plant..
They are extremely winter hardy, found along road sides and can take cold...
I see your house is brick, which can be warm, and the base of the house can be warm and if it's in a sunny location adds yet more warmth..

Or a grub like that is feeding on the roots may also be the culprit??

*Mine are being trampled to death by 4 baby fluff~ball woodchucks.., but I'll have to check under mine to see what mine look like..
We've been havin' some funky weather and temps'*

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Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2





http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/

I'm hoping now that the downspout is fixed the area will dry out. I was planning on dividing and moving the whole bunch this fall but don't know what to do with them now. I'll dig one up to see what the roots look like and let you know. Thanks!

Joanne

Netwiz, although you have some yellowing your lillies should be fine. Overcrowding can cause some of this due to competition for nutrients. If you are moving them you will find that it is fairly difficult to kill these plants. They tolerate alot more than many other perenials. Just remember that if the new location has a much different climate (more sun, less sun) you may have some initial adjustment time for the plants depending on their preferences. Give them a little love and they reward you with a lot of love. If you find that they are the same color, you will find that a lot of other gardeners will be happy to trade with you for different colors. Just a thought.

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Brian D.