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  3. Daylily

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Plant:

Daylily
Image of Daylily
Adaptation
Throughout the United States
Soil
Any good, well-drained garden soil
Water
When the soil is still moist.
Fertilizer
Feed with a slow-release plant food at time of planting.
Light
Sun or partial shade
Related problems

Aphids - Daylily

Image of Aphids - Daylily
Aphids

Daylily rust -

Image of Daylily rust
Daylily rust

Leaf Streak -

Image of Leaf Streak
Leaf Streak

Spring sickness -

Image of Spring sickness
Spring sickness
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Aphids - Daylily

Image of Aphids - Daylily
Aphids
Description
Tiny, pale-green to brown, soft-bodied insects are clustered on leaves. Leaves may be curled, distorted, and yellowing. Flowers may be malformed. A sticky, shiny substance may coat the leaves. Ants are often present.
Analysis

Aphids do little damage in small numbers. They are extremely prolific, however, and populations can rapidly build up to damaging numbers during the growing season. Damage occurs when the aphid sucks the juices from daylily leaves. The aphid is unable to digest fully all the sugar in the plant sap, and it excretes the excess in a fluid called honeydew, which often drops onto the leaves below. Ants feed on this sticky substance and are often present where there is an aphid infestation.

Solution

Apply an insecticide labeled for aphids as soon as the insects appear. Repeat as directed on the label if the plant is reinfested.

Close

Daylily rust -

Image of Daylily rust
Daylily rust
Description
Yellow or orange spots and streaks appear on leaves. Spots develop raised pustules containing an orange powder that comes off easily. Large confluent pustules may develop on susceptible varieties. Leaves or entire plants turn yellow and die.
Analysis

A fungus (Puccinia hemerocallidis) causes this disease. Native to Asia, where daylilies originated, it was discovered in this country in Georgia in 2000. It is now found in many eastern states, Canadian provinces, and in southern California. Like many rust diseases, its life cycle includes two host plants. In Asia, the alternate host is golden valerian (Patrinia), but the disease also spreads from daylily to daylily. The orange spores are spread by the wind, tools, clothing, and hands. The disease develops and spreads very fast. Within 1 or 2 weeks, infected plants produce spores that infect other plants. Because of its virulence and the popularity of daylilies, this disease is apt to spread across the continent. Daylily varieties have differing susceptibility to rust: 'The Pardon-Me' variety is highly susceptible and may die. Damage to other varieties varies greatly.

Solution

If you suspect daylily rust, send a sample to the local cooperative extension office for identification. Cut off infected leaves, disposing of them in a sealed garbage bag. Wash hands and gloves and disinfect tools before handling other daylilies. Protect uninfected daylilies with a fungicide labeled for this disease, following label directions. Separate new daylilies from older ones for two weeks to see if symptoms develop.

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Leaf Streak -

Image of Leaf Streak
Leaf Streak
Description
Daylily leaf tips turn brown and die. Yellow spots and streaks with watersoaked margins appear, mostly along the midrib, proceeding from the tip down the leaf. The streaks die, turning orange-brown and crisp.
Analysis

This plant disease is caused by a fungus (Aureobasidium microstictum, also known as Collecephalus hemerocalli). Besides daylilies, it also infects iris, lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis), and true lilies (Lilium). Dormant bodies called sclerotia are produced on dead and dying leaves in the fall. Sclerotia survive the winter to initiate the disease when new foliage appears in the spring, but symptoms don''t appear until later. Spores are made continually throughout the growing season, but the fungus suffers above 90&deg;F, so it is most active in spring. Spores are spread to new plants by splashing water, gardeners, or animals. In warm climates with evergreen daylilies, the disease is active all year.

Solution

Remove infected leaves by twisting them off at the base and disposing of them in the garbage. Wash your hands, gloves, and tools before working in healthy daylilies. Protect uninfected foliage by spraying with a fungicide labeled for this disease, following label directions. In the fall, cut off all foliage from infected plants and put it in the garbage. Plant resistant varieties. Thin plants to allow air circulation. Water with a drip hose, and don''t work in daylilies when leaves are wet.

Close

Spring sickness -

Image of Spring sickness
Spring sickness
Description
In early spring, new growth emerges twisted, with fans sometimes growing to one side. Growth slows and leaves are dwarfed. Leaves may develop ragged edges and brown streaks. Most fans recover and continue to grow normally, although blooming is often reduced.
Analysis

The cause of spring sickness is unknown. Although informed speculation suggests that cold snaps, insect damage, and pathogens cause spring sickness, there is no consensus. The problem is sporadic, striking one or a few fans in a clump and not others. Different fans are affected each spring, and some gardens have no problems with it at all. No daylilies seem to be more susceptible or resistant than others. The problem seems to be more severe in northern regions, but occurs in many areas.

Solution

Most plants will recover and grow normally. If affected fans are unsightly, twist or cut them off at the base. Because the cause is unknown, there is no way to prevent spring sickness.

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