Caring for Bulbs in June

Orange Daylily

Photo credit: Dan Tenaglia, Missouriplants.com

The Orange Daylily (Hemerocallis fulva) is a deciduous species that is also called Ditch Lily because it is often seen in roadside ditches or old gardens. A tough plant, it grows to 6 feet high and has leaves that are 2 feet or longer. The orange-red flowers, 3-5 inches wide, appear in summer and look great in combination with the old-fashioned blue "mophead" Hydrangeas. It is a real care-free perennila bulb.

With just a minimum of care, Daylilies reward you every year with a long season of bloom and lush healthy plants. Plant them in full sun or light shade in well-drained soil. The modern hybrids include deciduous, evergreen, and semi-evergreen types.

Planting Plant Caladiums, Dahlias, Daylilies, and Gladiolus. Divide daylilies.

Watering Keep summer-blooming bulbs watered. Check containers daily; feel the top 1 to 2 inches of soil and if it is dry to the touch, water until the water runs out the bottom of the pot. Check bulbs planted in the ground weekly. If you haven't received at least 1 inch of rain per week, water well.

Fertilizing Once they are planted, Dahlias don't need supplemental fertilizer unless they are growing in poor soil. If this is the case, apply the fertilizer which is high in phosphates and potash (like 5-10-15) in rows between the plants.

Pest Control Check Dahlias for thrips—new growth and buds will look distorted and flowers will fail to open normally. Leaf surfaces may look silvery or bronze. Black specks on the leaves are another indication that thrips are present. In case of severe infestation, use a systemic insecticide.

Pruning Cut off the yellowing foliage (lying on the ground) of Daffodils that bloomed in early spring.

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