Re: to all the Lilly people


> I was walking to the mail box today and noticed that the neighbor down the road had thrown out large clumps of Day Lillys.  She said she didn't know what they were and didn't like them.  She said I c> So my question to all you wonderful Lilly lovers is
, what now?
>     1.  They are in clumps about a foot across and the leaves are cut to about 8 inches tall.
>     2.  The dirt around them is very dry and hard, she said they had been sitting out on the driveway for two days. 
> ( we've been overcast and rainy, high 70's )
>     3.  I don't no much about Lillys but I would say they look very, very root bound. ( are they suppose to look that way? ) 
>     So, what do you all think?  Should I toss them?  Can they be saved?  How do I save them?  Should I separate them with a shovel?  Maybe soak them in a bucket of water for awhile?
> I really don't have a clue what to do with them but I know someone here does.  Please, help?  I really would like to make them work.
> Rachel  -  NW  Oregon

Rachel, in general daylilies are nearly indestructible.  Since 
these where dug in large clumps & tossed, I'd say these fall 
into that category.  

I would soak them well for a bit (not too long, else they will 
drown) in water ~ maybe for an hour.  Working in some shade, you 
can divide these clumps ... if you are very strong & have a 
clean, sharp knife.  <g>  No kidding.  Truly old, big clumps 
won't divide with 2 garden forks, I don't care who says they 
will. I was given a Japanese knife with one serrated edge that 
is intended for weeding.  I use it to divide things that are 
seriously locked up ~ like old daylily clumps.  Just start 
trying to pull the fans apart and cut through where they refuse 
to give.  As long as you leave some roots, the new, smaller 
clump will be ok.  I have gotten a single leaf with a few 
strands of roots to take.

My advice is to do this today.  Then immediately plant them into 
a place with good soil.  Don't fertilize them.  They need to get 
well established.  At this point fertilizing can actually hurt 
them.

Keep them well-watered (but well-drained) for several weeks 
while they get settled.  I would also trim the fans to about 3" 
or so.  That will reduce the shock, but tell you where they 
are.  They may or may not bloom for you next year. 

Keep us updated.
Jaime
"I have no particular talent. I am merely inquisitive."
 A. Einstein

jknoble@warwick.net
Z6/5, NW NJ

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