Whether sunny yellows, brilliant oranges, magnificent reds or hundreds of color combinations and shades in-between, daylilies dazzle in the garden.

Grown in large numbers, the waves of large blooms are stunning. Used as borders, ground cover and for eye-catching interest, these low-maintenance, easy-to-grow perennials grace gardens from the North to the Deep South.

Daylilies (Hemerocallis), true to their name, produce flowers which typically only last 24 hours. The flowers appear at the end of tall stems, called the scape, that rise above the thick, green foliage. Although each flower only lasts one day, each scape produces multiple buds, making for lasting color.

The edible flowers of the citron daylily (Hemerocallis Citrina) are cultivated in Asia. They are sold fresh or dried and used in dishes such as hot and sour soup and moo shu pork. While the flowers of particular cultivars are edible, daylilies are toxic to cats and can be fatal.

Daylilies grow best in full sun, requiring at least six hours daily. Some of the deep red or paler color cultivars, however, benefit from some afternoon shade. All varieties will grow in partial shade, they just will not produce flowers as vigorously.

Daylilies can be planted any time the ground can be worked. Although they will adapt to most soils, they do best in slightly acidic, moist soil that is well-drained.

Till the soil deeply before planting. Dig the hole large enough that the roots have enough room without bending or crowding them.

Place the plant in the soil so that the crown (where the stem meets the roots) is 1 inch below the soil level. Water the plant thoroughly after planting.

Daylilies vary greatly in when it may be necessary to divide the plant. It may be time when you notice a decline in flower production. The best time to divide plants is early spring or immediately after flowering has ceased. Plants divided in early spring may not produce flowers the first summer.

To divide, dig up the entire plant, which should be cut back to about 4 to 6 inches. Loosen and gently pull apart two to three fans of leaves with roots intact. Prepare the hole and plant as directed above. A layer of straw or leaf mulch will help protect newly planted daylilies from winter stress, or if done in spring, will help with weeds.

When cutting back daylilies, wait until leaves start to turn brown before cutting back. Slip on your garden gloves and begin by pulling off any completely dead foliage. These will easily lift from the ground when pulled. Using sharp pruning shears, cut back remaining leaves and stems to 4 inches above the ground.

Foliage may stay green into mid-fall. When remaining leaves turn brown, again gently pull any foliage that slips easily from the ground by hand and then cut remaining leaves close to the ground and cover with mulch.

Daylilies benefit from a well-balanced granular fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 broadcast over the plants in spring. This is not generally necessary, except in unusual soil situations, but can help promote lush growth and plentiful blooms.

This is a great time to divide your daylilies and share or swap them with friends who have other plentiful plants in their gardens. Until next week, happy gardening!

— Irland, a member of the Limestone County Master Gardeners, can be reached at kippirland@hotmail.com. For more information on the Limestone County Master Gardeners, visit http://mg.aces.edu/limestone.