The true quality of a daylily cannot be honestly 
judged until it has grown undisturbed for two years. 
It will be rewarding from the first bloom but the 
third summer shows what is actually possessed in 
beauty. Though it won’t be a problem for years, 
when the plant becomes unduly crowded so that 
bloom is adversely affected, division should be dras- 
tic. All old roots which are no longer of use should 
be cleaned out, the young roots as well as the foliage 
reduced by half, then the plant re-set in prepared 
ground. Plants so handled, even if only moved five 
feet, will soon surpass plants divided and set with 
the entire root system untouched. They apparently 
like being challenged. 
Daylilies need little care outside of careful weed- 
ing for the first year and as much as is needed for 
appearance’s sake in following years. The rootlets 
come close to the surface and cultivation should be 
shallow. Unless they are planted in the autumn they 
are best off without any protection other than their 
own foliage which should be left with them until 
the spring clean-up. Diseases and insects bother them 
not at all with one exception. If they are planted 
too closely together there is the possibility of some 
trouble with thrips. Proper sprays for thrips may 
be used in 'this event but more space should be giv- 
en as soon as possible for none but the small dwarf 
daylilies should be set closer than two feet apart. 
Daylilies thrive in sun, but the darker ones are 
more truly lovely if they are partially shaded dur- 
ing the brightest hours of the day. Proper placement 
is a personal challenge. With careful choice of col- 
ors daylilies are handsome with irises, peonies, del- 
phinium, phlox and chrysanthemums. The dark va- 
rieties should never be clumped together but built 
up as individuals through the use of the yellow and 
gold varieties. And so, good luck! 
& | ; 
‘ 
Shipment of daylilies will be made during the 
month of May and, on later orders, in August and 
' September. Under certain conditions they may be 
sent out during the other summer months by spe- 
cial arrangement. Transportation is paid on all or- 
ders amounting to $3.00 or more, otherwise please 
add 35c for packing and postage, 
& 
Join the HEMEROCALLIS SOCIETY for reward- 
ing information on daylilies. The Yearbook, contain- 
ing exhaustive reports on the progress being made 
with this great flower is worth many times the year- 
ly dues of $3.00. Send dues to Mrs. Pearl Sherwood, 
Secretary, Atlantic, Iowa. 
