skip to main content

Planting bare root Daylilies

15 years ago

Yesterday I planted several bare root daylilies, but here's the thing: they were shipped to me about 2 months ago and I've just had them sitting in the packaging this whole time. Think they'll actually do anything? If they do survive, about how long do you think it'll be before I see any signs of life?

I have some Hostas that were in the same shipment, also bare root. I didn't get them planted until about a month after I received them, and they have done well, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Just wanted the opinion of some more experienced gardeners. Thanks in advance!

~Amanda

Chattanooga, TN

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

jkunkel
15 years ago
I think they will do fine, after planting them water them in good and then don't water any more untill you see signs of life. It may take a couple of weeks, but im pretty sure they will come up. They may look thirsty, but don't do it! Heat + water = rot. Give them some time. My mother gave me some daylily crowns that were all dried up with the roots attached like a rhizome, and I planted them in a pot and they are growing for me now, took a little longer since there were no leaves at all, but they are fine. They probably won't bloom this year, but at least you'll give the roots a chance to get established before winter. Good luck, hope this helps. -Jessica
redsnowflake
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks so much! Before planting, I soaked them for a few minutes in some warm water, and right after I planted them I watered them. Good to know not to water them anymore for now.

Hopefully I'll have some decent blooms by next year! :)
Related Discussions
To Bare-Root or Not to Bare-Root...
Q
Comments (11)
Dan, I don't think the authors are recommending doing away with container-grown stock. I think they are saying that bare-rooting, as part of the planting process and done by people trained in doing it, has advantages (and disadvantages). They are going through the process to correct root problems caused by traditional growing methods, not to prevent the problems from occurring to start with. Also, I think most of the research and debate is concentrated on larger stock (mostly B&B), rather than smaller, containerized stock. The guy that brought this article back to my attention claims to be a totally supporter of bare-rooting smaller stuff, but has concerns about calls for doing it across the board for different species, to larger B&B material, and by the nursery industry with untrained labor.
...See More
Daylily growing in Tucson?
Q
Comments (7)
I grow them here in Phoenix in filtered light, mine are in pots and have done very well for me. I just planted Strawberry Candy last year and can't wait to she it bloom. I think direct sunlight is too much for them. My second question is how are you going to keep the cats claw from choaking them out? Soory I'm not a fan of cat's claw it's very invasive and I don't care for it.
...See More
need help w/ bare root planting
Q
Comments (2)
Thank you! I am not as confident planting bare root as a nice healthy plant with all of it's leaves, etc.
...See More
Storing Bare Root Daylily Rhizomes?
Q
Comments (6)
I personally would be nervous about storing all winter bareroot.Here in zone 4 I would separate them into manageable groups of 50 or so,put them in a garbage bag and pour some potting soil over them and store them in the garage.My reasoning for the soil is so the roots don't get too dried out.I could be way off base,but I do know they will survive in garbage bags with some dirt for a long time because I left some in bags for 2 years at the side of my house and only discovered them when I saw a bloom sticking out of the bag. Betsy
...See More
redsnowflake
Original Author
15 years ago
Just thought I'd post a quick update - lately I've had several shoots come up from these original daylilies I planted. So, even if all don't make it, at least I know some have! :)

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES The Beauty of Bare-Root Plants

By Marianne Lipanovich

Plant dormant trees and shrubs in fall using the easy, affordable bare-root method and enjoy beautiful results in spring

CENTRAL PLAINS GARDENING Great Design Plant: Culver's Root

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Spiky summer blooms beloved by butterflies and architectural interest in winter make this Midwest native plant worth featuring in the garden

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Highlighting Farmhouse Roots in a Seattle Suburb

By Kimberley Bryan

New and old mix with DIY touches in a remodeled 1928 home for a family of 6

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Geometry Roots Great Garden Design

To learn why some garden designs seem particularly pleasing to the eye, look to mathematical shapes and patterns

GARDENING GUIDES How to Fix Bare and Yellow Lawn Spots

By Christine Tusher

Restore your turf’s good looks by reseeding unsightly patches

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD World of Design: A House That’s Barely There

By Susan Redman

A rural Australian home blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, camping and permanence, privacy and transparency

DECORATING GUIDES Air Plants Go Easy on Indoor Gardeners

By Living Small: City & Small Space Consulting

If your best intentions leave stalks barely breathing, embrace blissfully easy air plants to bring a living garden to your home

WINTER GARDENING Look Beyond Plants for a Wonderful Winter Garden

Use sculptures, fences and other structures to draw the eye to a bare-bones landscape

GARDENING GUIDES 6 Unsung Bulbs for Fall Planting

By LuAnn Brandsen

Don't hang up your spade after summer — plant these unusual bulbs in fall for a spectacular spring show

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Rhus Glabra

By Curtis Adams

Smooth sumac provides powerful jolts of fall color and persistent fruit clusters that add interest through the winter

Sponsored

Longhouse Architects

4 Reviews

Loudoun County's Prominent Architecture Firm Creating Cohesive Designs

More Discussions

X, Y and Z daylilies 2023

18

can semi-evergreen dayliles survive in zone 5?

10

Wind gusts over 60+, are you ok Nancy

18

Have you seen the forecast for this week-end?

17

First Day of Spring?

4