Day lily foliage

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Madahhlia, Aug 11, 2011.

  1. Madahhlia

    Madahhlia Total Gardener

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    I should be fonder of day lilies than I am as the flowers are gorgeous. Part of the reason I have little patience with them is the foliage - undistinguished, bulky, rank, lank, and always dying-off. Worse than ever this year as they are completely parched. If I just cut it off at the ground what's the worst that can happen? Will any grow back if we ever have any rain? Will it kill them off?

    Any advice gratefully received.
     
  2. Lorna

    Lorna Gardener

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    I don't think you will kill them if you cut off parched foliage, which isn't any good to the plant anyway. I regularly chop off the foliage of things like oriental poppies and they surge back.
     
  3. simbad

    simbad Total Gardener

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    Cutting back the foliage won't kill them Madahhlia, they will just grow fresh leaves, I always cut mine back to ground level in September after all flowerings finished they grow fresh new foliage and look much better for it, also gets rid of any overwintering pests, slugs etc.
     
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    • Madahhlia

      Madahhlia Total Gardener

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      Will be out there chopping just as soon as I've finished my tea!
       
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