Daylilies are a total favorite in the garden, and for good reason! They’re super low-maintenance and bring that gorgeous, exotic flair to any flower bed. But if you’re wondering how these beauties handle the winter chill, I’ve got you covered. Here’s the lowdown on keeping your daylilies happy when the temperature drops.
No Need to Worry About Frost
For the most part, daylilies are tough cookies. Most varieties are incredibly cold-hardy, with some even shrugging off temperatures as low as -22°F (-30°C). Generally, you can expect them to handle -5°F to 0°F without breaking a sweat. The plant actually has a built-in defense system: its thick, fleshy roots act like a storage tank, helping it survive the winter underground without any drama.
However, you’ll want to double-check the label if you’re buying daylilies bred in warmer climates like Florida. These “Southern” varieties aren’t used to the harsh northern winters and can be a bit sensitive to deep freezes. When shopping, keep an eye out for terms like “evergreen” or “semi-evergreen”—these are usually the ones that might need a little extra TLC to survive the winter.
How to Overwinter Your Daylilies Like a Pro
If you do happen to have a more sensitive variety, a nice layer of mulch is your best friend. Starting in the fall, spread some bark mulch over the root zone and add a few evergreen boughs on top for extra insulation.
If you’re growing daylilies in pots, they need a little more attention since their roots aren’t insulated by the ground. One pro tip: make sure your last round of fertilizer happens no later than July. Feeding them too late in the season encourages new, tender growth that just can’t handle the frost.
Here are a few more tips for keeping potted daylilies cozy:
- Give them a good pruning after they’ve finished blooming.
- Wrap the pot in insulating materials like burlap, bubble wrap, or garden fleece.
- Move the pot to a sheltered spot, away from harsh winds.
- Elevate the pot on a piece of Styrofoam or wood to keep the cold from seeping up from the ground.
- Water sparingly over the winter—just enough to keep the soil from drying out completely.
- Once spring arrives, ease them back into the direct sun slowly so they don’t get “sunburned.”
