Understanding Daylilies
Daylilies are popular perennial plants known for their beautiful blooms. They are hardy and can thrive in various conditions, making them a favorite in many gardens. However, their resilience can sometimes lead to them becoming invasive. If you find yourself needing to remove daylilies, it’s essential to understand their growth patterns and survival mechanisms.
Why Remove Daylilies?
Though visually appealing, daylilies can spread rapidly. They reproduce through both seeds and rhizomes, which are underground stems capable of producing new plants. Left unchecked, they can overcrowd other plants and dominate the garden space. Remove them if they start encroaching on areas where you prefer to grow other plants.
Manual Removal
Manual removal is a straightforward method. It involves digging up the plants and ensuring you get all the roots and rhizomes. First, use a shovel or spade to dig around the base of the plant. Daylilies have deep and extensive root systems, so dig deep and wide to avoid leaving any part behind.
After digging up the plant, shake off the soil and inspect the root clump. Remove any remaining root fragments from the soil to prevent regrowth. This method is labor-intensive but effective, especially for small patches.
Smothering Daylilies
Smothering is another effective way to get rid of daylilies. This method involves covering the plants to block sunlight, eventually killing them. Use thick black plastic, cardboard, or several layers of newspaper. Place the material over the daylilies and weigh it down with rocks or soil. Leave it in place for several months. The lack of sunlight will starve the plants and kill them.
Using Herbicides
Herbicides are a chemical method to remove daylilies. Glyphosate-based herbicides are popular and effective. They work by absorbing into the plant’s system and killing it from the roots.
Apply the herbicide by spraying directly on the leaves of the daylilies. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding dosage and safety precautions. Repeat applications might be necessary. Be cautious and avoid spraying near other desirable plants as herbicides can also harm them.
Solarization
Solarization uses the sun’s energy to kill daylilies. This method involves covering the ground with a clear plastic sheet, trapping heat underneath. In the hot summer months, the temperature under the plastic can become high enough to kill the plants, seeds, and many soil-borne pests and diseases.
Start by cutting back the daylilies as close to the ground as possible. Moisten the soil and then place the plastic sheet over the area. Bury the edges of the plastic to keep it in place. Leave the plastic for 4-6 weeks to ensure the best results.
Frequent Cutting
Consistent cutting can exhaust daylilies and eventually kill them. Cut the plants down to ground level whenever they sprout. This method prevents the plants from photosynthesizing and depletes their stored energy reserves. It requires persistence and regular monitoring, but over time it can be effective.
Combining Methods
Combining several methods often yields the best results. For example, you might manually remove as many plants as possible, then cover the area with plastic sheeting for solarization. Or, dig up the plants and follow up with herbicide treatment to ensure any remaining roots are dealt with.
Preventing Regrowth
Once you’ve removed daylilies, take steps to prevent their return. Regularly check the area for new growth and remove any shoots immediately. Mulch the area heavily to discourage new sprouts. Consider planting competitive ground cover plants to take up space and resources that might otherwise go to daylilies.