Can Day Lillies Grow in Shade
Last Updated on July 8, 2023
Day lilies are one of the most popular flowers because they are so easy to grow. Many people think that day lilies can only be grown in full sun, but they will actually do quite well in partial shade. The key is to make sure that the day lily gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
If you have a spot in your garden that gets dappled sunlight throughout the day, that will be perfect for growing day lilies.
If you have a shady spot in your garden that you’d like to add some color to, consider planting daylilies. These tough plants are not only tolerant of low light conditions, but they also require very little care once they’re established. Plus, they’ll bloom reliably for years with minimal attention from you.
When selecting daylilies for your garden, look for varieties that are specifically labeled as “shade-tolerant.” These plants will be more likely to thrive in lower light levels than others. Once you’ve got your daylilies picked out, prepare the soil by adding some organic matter to help retain moisture and improve drainage.
Then, simply plant the bulbs at the recommended depth and water them well.
In general, daylilies prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. However, if you live in an area with hot summers, it’s best to give them a little relief from the afternoon sun by planting them in dappled sunlight or filtered shade.
With proper care, your shade-loving daylilies should bloom abundantly all summer long!
Why Day Lilies Don't Bloom
Can Daylilies Grow under Trees?
Yes, daylilies can grow under trees. They are not particular about soil type and prefer full sun to partial shade. However, they will bloom best if they get at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Daylilies are tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, but they do best in well-drained soils that are high in organic matter.
Are There Any Daylilies That Grow in Shade?
Yes, there are daylilies that grow in shade! In fact, many gardeners consider them to be some of the best plants for shady areas. Daylilies are tolerant of a wide range of light conditions, from full sun to deep shade.
They will even bloom in partial shade, although the flowers may be smaller and fewer in number.
How Much Sun Does a Daylily Need?
How much sun does a daylily need?
In general, daylilies prefer at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. However, they can tolerate some partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Daylilies will bloom best when they receive full sun, but too much sun can cause the flowers to fade quickly.
Can Lilies Handle Shade?
Lilies are a beautiful and popular flower, but can they handle shade? The answer is yes and no. It depends on the type of lily.
Some lilies, like Asiatic lilies, do well in shady areas. Others, like Easter lilies, need full sun to thrive. So, if you’re thinking about planting lilies in your garden, make sure to research the needs of the specific type you want to grow.
Credit: extension.umn.edu
Best Daylilies for Shade
Looking for some daylilies that will thrive in shady areas? Here are a few of the best varieties to consider:
1. ‘Kwanso’ – This variety is known for its tolerance of both sun and shade, making it a great option for tricky areas.
It produces large, fragrant blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white.
2. ‘Stella d’Oro’ – A gold-standard for daylilies, ‘Stella d’Oro’ is heat and drought tolerant as well as being able to handle some shade. It bears repeat blooms throughout the summer months, bringing a cheerful splash of color to any garden.
3. ‘Bela Lugosi’ – As the name suggests, this variety has deep purple blooms with black centers. It prefers partial sun but can also tolerate some shade, making it perfect for adding drama to a shady spot.
4. ‘Crimson Pirate’ – Another variety that does well in partial sun or shade, ‘Crimson Pirate’ features beautiful red blooms with ruffled petals.
It blooms profusely from mid-summer through fall, brightening up any garden during the hottest months.
Can Daylilies Grow in Pots
Most plants can be grown in pots, and daylilies are no exception. They make great container plants because they’re easy to care for and don’t require a lot of space. Plus, they add a splash of color to any patio or deck.
When growing daylilies in pots, choose a pot that is at least 12 inches wide and has drainage holes.Fill the pot with a good quality potting mix and plant the daylily so that the crown (the area where the leaves meet the stem) is just above the soil surface. Water well and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10.
If you live in an area with hot summers, you may need to water your daylilies more often than if you live in a cooler climate. When watering, be sure to soak the roots thoroughly; potted plants dry out quickly so it’s important not to let them get too dry.
In fall, stop fertilizing and allow the foliage to die back naturally.
This signals to the plant that it’s time to go dormant for winter. At this point, you can move your potted daylily indoors if you’d like or leave it outdoors (as long as it doesn’t freeze). Just be sure to give it a good soaking before bringing it inside so that it doesn’t go into shock from being transplanted.
With proper care, your potted daylily should bloom beautifully for many years!
Reblooming Daylilies for Shade
We all know that daylilies are a tough and versatile plant. They can grow in just about any type of soil and tolerate both sun and shade. But did you know that there are also reblooming varieties that will bloom not just once, but multiple times throughout the season?
If you’re looking for a daylily that can brighten up a shady spot in your garden, look no further than these reblooming beauties. Here are a few of our favorites:
Stella d’Oro – This popular variety is one of the most reliable rebloomers, with flowers appearing from early summer to fall.
It prefers full sun but will tolerate some light shade.
Orange Crush – As its name suggests, this daylily sports vibrant orange blooms. It’s a repeat bloomer that does best in partial sun to light shade.
Pardon Me – Another dependable rebloomer, Pardon Me features pretty yellow blooms with ruffled edges. It grows well in partial sun or light shade.
Can Day Lilies Thrive in Sandy Soil?
Daylilies can grow in sand, making them a suitable choice for sandy soil. These versatile flowers have strong root systems that efficiently extract nutrients and moisture from the soil. While sandy soil drains quickly, daylilies adapt well and can thrive with proper care. Regular watering and mulching will aid in retaining moisture, ensuring that these resilient plants flourish in sandy conditions.
Conclusion
In general, daylilies prefer full sun. They will also grow in part shade, but they may not bloom as abundantly. Daylilies will also tolerate light shade, but again, the blooms may be fewer.
So, if you have a spot that gets dappled sunlight or filtered sunlight throughout the day, that would likely be a good spot for your daylilies.
