| I planted 10 daylily plants this spring and half are already blooming. However, some of the leaves are turning brown. Is this due to a disease starting, or weather, or bugs, or what? Also, how long do the blooms live and do you pinch them off after they close? |
| There are several foliar problems, such as leaf streak and russet spot, that may affect daylilies. Usually these problems are not serious, and they can be controlled easily by removing infected leaves as they occur. Be sure to clean up all foliage in the fall to help keep any disease spores from wintering over. Sometimes a damp season or overhead watering can make the problem worse, particularly with leaf streak. In addition, some varieties seem to be more susceptible than others. The blooms last only one day (hence the name) and can be removed by snapping them off daily as they fade. The main stem can be removed by cutting near the base once all the buds on it have bloomed. This helps the plant conserve energy by preventing seed formation, and is a good idea for the first season. After that, although not strictly necessary, it does help keep the plants looking tidy. |
