Daylily Hemerocallis 'Royal Mountie'

Water

Daylilies, including the 'Royal Mountie', should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time, which is roughly 0.6 gallons per square yard of soil. During hot or dry spells, watering frequency should increase to twice per week. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging, and water early in the day to allow foliage to dry and minimize disease risk. During the winter or in rainy seasons, reduce watering as the plants require less moisture. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases.

Light

Daylilies like 'Royal Mountie' perform best in full sunlight, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. They can tolerate light shade, especially in hotter climates, but flowering may be reduced in less than ideal light conditions. The best spot for planting daylilies would be an area that enjoys morning sunlight and partial afternoon shade to protect them from the intense heat of the day.

Temperature

Daylilies such as 'Royal Mountie' thrive in a wide range of temperatures but perform best when the daytime temperature is between 60°F and 90°F. They can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about -20°F. However, they require a period of cooler winter temperatures (below 40°F) for dormancy and successful blooming in the following season.

Pruning

Prune daylilies like 'Royal Mountie' to remove spent flower stalks and dead foliage to encourage new growth and improve the plant's appearance. The best time to prune is immediately after blooming has finished. Pruning can be done as needed throughout the growing season to remove damaged or diseased parts of the plant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Daylilies, the common name for Hemerocallis 'Royal Mountie', thrive in a well-drained soil mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A blend of two parts loam, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or sand makes an excellent soil mix, providing the ideal balance of drainage and moisture retention.

Repotting

Daylilies are not commonly grown in containers and do not need regular repotting. If grown in pots, they should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when they outgrow their current container.

Humidity & Misting

Daylilies prefer moderate ambient humidity but are quite adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels without issue, making them suitable for various garden environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright light, at cooler room temperatures.

• Outdoor

  Full sun to partial shade, moist, well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of the 'Royal Mountie' daylily begins with seed germination, where it requires well-drained soil and adequate warmth to sprout. Once germinated, seedlings grow into juvenile plants, developing a clump of strap-like leaves and establishing a strong root system. As it matures, the daylily enters its vegetative stage, expanding its foliage and roots, and once mature enough, it transitions into the flowering stage, producing tall scapes topped with large, colorful blooms, typically during the summer. After flowering, fertilization can occur, leading to the development of seed pods if pollinators are present. Following seed set, the plant enters a period of senescence where the foliage may die back, especially in colder climates, but the roots remain alive for regrowth in the spring. Throughout its life, the daylily may undergo vegetative propagation through division of its clumps, allowing gardeners to spread the plant throughout their gardens.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Hemerocallis 'Royal Mountie', commonly known as Daylily, is most effectively propagated by division. The best time to divide Daylilies is in early spring or immediately after they finish flowering, usually in late summer or early fall. The process involves digging up the clump of plants and gently separating it into smaller sections by hand, making sure that each section has at least a few healthy roots and fans of leaves. Replant the divisions promptly, maintaining the same soil depth they were originally growing at, and water thoroughly. This method ensures that the distinct traits of 'Royal Mountie' are preserved, and it promotes rejuvenation and increased flowering in mature clumps.