Forum home Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

When to cut back hemerocallis foliage pre Winter

2»

Posts

  • My hemerocallis thrive in my clay soil but last year the deer came into the garden and took the heads off every single one. I have some really unusual varieties so it was v upsetting. I have now lifted them all and replanted in a raised border close to the house our of reach of deer. I tend to leave them to die down before cutting but I need to clear some space to plant tulip bulbs so am going to risk cutting them down now.

  • Novice23Novice23 Posts: 200

    i do the same as Obelixx leave them and pull them when they are totally brown.  They grow really well in my clay soil, but not flowered too well this year.  They probably need dividing, I am never that successful with dividing plants, always end up with lots of roots and not soil!!!  However i do keep trying, but will also try the potash next year.

    Thanks for all the information and advice.. Really helps us inexperienced gardeners.

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,049

    Hemerocallis need to be divided regularly or they become congested and lose flower power.   They are very forgiving and can be done now.   

    Water the clump thoroughly and leave for an hour then dig up as much as you can and split it with your spade or a bread knife depending on how big and thick the roots are.   Replant in small clumps in the ground or in pots if you want spares for swaps or insurance.   Trim the leaves back to about 6" to reduce moisture loss while the roots recover.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • Novice23Novice23 Posts: 200

    Great to have your advice Obelixx. will try that and the clump is really quite big, but not many flowers this year, so that must be problem.  Thanks

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,887

    I do as obelixx does, wait until they come off clean with a sharp tug, if they don't come away easily, I leave them a while longer and try again.

    I agree too with Verdun's point about "latin" names. Once you know the basics you'll get the hang of them.

    Every plant only has one "latin" name but might have lots of "common names" and some plants have the same "common names" eg both cistus and helianthemum have the common name " rock rose" neither are roses and the two plants are completely different.

    Devon.
Sign In or Register to comment.