The Best Daylilies for Nonstop Color All Summer Long

Daylilies are some of the most rugged, carefree perennials you can grow. While each delicate daylily flower only lasts about a day, the plants continually produce new blooms over an extended period in summer. Some varieties flower for just a couple weeks, but others provide nonstop color from early summer through fall frosts. If you want daylilies that keep your garden vibrant all season, here are some top choices.

What Makes a Daylily Bloom All Summer?

Most daylilies begin flowering in spring or early summer and continue for 2-4 weeks. But certain varieties are classified as rebloomers or everbloomers due to their tendency to flower repeatedly on the same scapes (flower stalks). These daylilies produce a flush of blooms, rest briefly, and then flower again on both new and old scapes.

In ideal growing conditions, reblooming daylilies may flower from June until October. Those in cold climates will bloom continuously until first frost The key to keeping daylilies flowering is to remove spent blooms regularly so the plants don’t put energy into forming seed pods

Best Reblooming Daylily Varieties

Here are some top picks for daylilies that bloom prolifically all season long:

• Stella de Oro – A daylily classic with mildly fragrant yellow blooms from early summer through fall

• Happy Returns – A Stella de Oro hybrid with ruffled lemon-yellow blooms and a similar long bloom season.

• Earlybird Cardinal – Vivid red blooms from June until frost with ruffled edges.

• Earlybird Oriole – Frilled orange flowers over an equally long bloom period as Earlybird Cardinal.

• Franz Schubert – Pale yellow blooms from early to late summer on plants 2 ft. tall.

• Joan Senior – Ruffled blooms shift from yellow to apricot over several months.

• Leebea Orange Crush – Large 5 in. double orange blooms from July to September.

• Pandora’s Box – Fragrant pink blooms sporadically throughout the season.

• Rosy Returns – Abundant soft pink blooms with yellow throats from summer to fall.

• Primal Scream – Bright yellow 5 in. blooms from July until autumn.

Caring for Reblooming Daylilies

To encourage repeat flowering, reblooming daylilies need:

• Full sun – At least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Morning sun is ideal.

• Fertile, well-draining soil – Amend soil with compost yearly to replenish nutrients.

• Regular deadheading – Remove spent blooms to prevent seed pod formation.

• Occasional division – Divide crowded clumps every 3-5 years to rejuvenate plants.

• Adequate water – 1-2 inches weekly. Allow soil to partly dry between waterings.

• Mulch layer – 2-3 inches of mulch insulates roots and retains moisture.

With basic care, you can enjoy vibrant color from these flowering workhorses all season long.

Combining Early, Mid, and Late Bloomers

Another way to achieve nonstop daylily color is to grow a selection of early, mid, and late season bloomers. Spread out the floral display by choosing varieties like:

Early Bloomers

• Aztec Gold – Buttery yellow 4 in. blooms in late spring.

• American Revolution – Vibrant reddish blooms in early summer.

• Rocket City – Fragrant 4 in. red blooms in early summer.

• Mary Todd – Pale yellow double blooms in early summer.

Midseason Bloomers

• Primal Scream – Bright yellow 5 in. blooms starting in early July.

• Pandora’s Box – Soft pink flowers with yellow throats from early July onward.

• Joan Senior – Ruffled blooms shift from yellow to apricot in midsummer.

• Seaside Cottage – Peach-pink blooms with yellow throats from July to August.

Late Bloomers

• Autumn Minaret – Fragrant 6 in. lemon-yellow blooms from August to October.

• Bela Lugosi – Purple-red 5 in. blooms from midsummer until frost.

• Night Beacon – Deep red 5 in. blooms from August through autumn.

• Rosy Returns – Abundant soft pink blooms into the fall.

Staggering bloom times means you’ll have daylilies flowering from spring through the first fall frosts!

Daylilies Thrive with Minimal Care

Daylilies require very little maintenance once established. Their tough, adaptable nature lets them thrive in all types of soil and light conditions. They tolerate drought but flower best with weekly watering. Applying an organic mulch helps retain soil moisture and discourages weeds. Remove faded blooms regularly to promote repeat flowering. Then sit back and enjoy their cheery, carefree blossoms all season long!