Growing Daylilies in Hawaii

The daylily (Hemerocallis sp.) is a perennial flowering plant that thrives in the warm, tropical Hawaiian islands. Used mainly in borders, you will find daylilies planted at the major resorts and shopping centers. It is an easy plant to grow in the residential landscape, as long as you pay close attention to its moisture requirements.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You’ll Need

• 13-13-13 fertilizer
• Soaker hose or drip irrigation system
• Pruning shears or sharp scissors

1. Grow your daylily where it will receive full sun in the morning with afternoon shade.
2. Feed the daylily in November with a 13-13-13 fertilizer, at the rate suggested on the package. Fertilize the plant in the morning before the temperature heats up to avoid burning the daylily’s roots. Always water before fertilizing.
3. Provide the daylily with 1-inch of water a week. In the wetter parts of the islands, such as Hilo, manual irrigation may not be necessary. Gardeners in dryer areas, such as along the Kona coast, will need to pay attention to the moisture content of the soil and water if it appears to be drying. Use a soaker hose or drip system to water slowly and deeply and keep moisture off the foliage.
4. Cut off flowers as they die. This helps to discourage pests on your daylily.
5. Check the daylily for disease symptoms. Rust is a fungal disease that is common in Hawaiian-grown daylilies. If you see an orange, powdery substance on the foliage, suspect rust. Cut off any affected leaves and destroy them.