Exploring the Beauty of Short Daylilies

Are you looking for a way to add some color and vibrancy to your garden? Look no further than short daylilies! These lovely plants are easy to care for and can provide a stunning array of colors and textures to any outdoor space. In this blog post, we'll explore the world of short daylilies, from their origins to their many different varieties and colors.

What are Short Daylilies?

Daylilies are a type of perennial plant that produce beautiful blooms in a wide variety of colors, from white and yellow to red, pink, and purple. Short daylilies, as the name suggests, are a shorter variety of daylily that typically grow to be between 12 and 18 inches tall. They are often used as border plants or as ground cover in gardens.

The Origins of Short Daylilies

Short daylilies originated in Asia, where they have been cultivated for centuries for their beauty and medicinal properties. They were first introduced to Europe in the 16th century and later made their way to North America in the early 1900s. Today, short daylilies are grown all over the world and are a favorite among gardeners for their hardiness and versatility.

The Many Varieties of Short Daylilies

There are hundreds of different varieties of short daylilies, each with its own unique characteristics and colors. Some popular varieties include:

• Stella de Oro: This variety is known for its bright yellow blooms and compact size, making it a popular choice for container gardens.
• Happy Returns: Another yellow variety, Happy Returns produces larger blooms than Stella de Oro and is known for its long blooming season.
• Pardon Me: With its deep red blooms and distinctive green foliage, Pardon Me is a favorite among gardeners looking to add a pop of color to their outdoor space.
• Rosy Returns: This pink variety produces delicate, rose-colored blooms that are sure to add a touch of elegance to any garden.

Caring for Short Daylilies

While short daylilies are relatively easy to care for, there are a few things to keep in mind when planting and maintaining these lovely plants.

Planting Short Daylilies

When planting short daylilies, be sure to choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight. These plants also prefer well-drained soil, so if your soil tends to be heavy or clay-like, consider amending it with compost or sand to improve drainage. Plant your daylilies about 18 inches apart to give them room to grow and spread.

Watering and Fertilizing Short Daylilies

Short daylilies don't require a lot of water, but they do need consistent moisture to thrive. Water your plants deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. You can also fertilize your daylilies once a year in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.

Pruning Short Daylilies

To keep your short daylilies looking their best, it's important to remove spent blooms as soon as they fade. You can also trim back any dead or damaged foliage in the fall to help prepare your plants for winter.

Using Short Daylilies in Your Garden

Short daylilies are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways in your garden. Here are just a few ideas:

Border Plants

Because they are relatively short and compact, short daylilies make excellent border plants. Plant them along walkways or around the edge of your garden beds to create a beautiful, cohesive look.

Ground Cover

If you have a large area that you'd like to cover with plants, short daylilies can be an excellent choice. They spread quickly and can help suppress weeds while adding color and texture to your outdoor space.

Container Gardens

Short daylilies are also great for container gardens. Plant them in pots on your porch or patio to add a pop of color to your outdoor living space.

Tips for Growing Short Daylilies Successfully

Here are a few additional tips to help you grow healthy, vibrant short daylilies:

Choose the Right Location

As mentioned earlier, short daylilies prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Be sure to choose a location that meets these requirements to give your plants the best chance of success.

Water Consistently

While short daylilies don't require a lot of water, it's important to water them consistently to keep the soil moist. Inconsistent watering can lead to stunted growth and smaller blooms.

Remove Faded Blooms Quickly

To encourage your short daylilies to continue blooming throughout the season, be sure to remove spent blooms as soon as they fade. This will help redirect the plant's energy toward producing new blooms.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if my short daylilies are getting enough water?

You can tell if your short daylilies are getting enough water by checking the soil moisture level. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil near the base of the plant. If the soil feels dry, it's time to water.

2. Can I grow short daylilies indoors?

While short daylilies can be grown in containers, they are primarily outdoor plants and require full sun to thrive. If you want to grow daylilies indoors, consider trying a variety that is specifically bred for indoor growing conditions.

3. How often should I fertilize my short daylilies?

Short daylilies only need to be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Over-fertilizing can actually harm the plants and lead to stunted growth and smaller blooms.

4. Do short daylilies attract bees and other pollinators?

Yes! Short daylilies produce nectar and pollen that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Adding short daylilies to your garden can help support local pollinator populations.

5. Can I divide my short daylilies?

Yes, short daylilies can be divided every few years to help control their size and improve their overall health. Divide them in the fall or early spring when the weather is cooler and the plants are dormant.


Short daylilies are a beautiful and versatile addition to any garden. Whether you're looking to create a stunning border, cover a large area, or add some color to your container garden, there's a short daylily variety that can meet your needs. By following a few simple care tips and using your imagination, you can create a stunning outdoor space that will be the envy of your neighborhood.