When Can I Move Daylilies?

Dug up daylilies will turn yellow but once planted, will turn green again. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

“When can I move daylilies? I have a batch that is now in the middle of my new driveway but I don’t want to lose them….” - Emily

When Can I Move Daylilies

Hi Emily,

My rule of thumb is the best time to move something is right after it has bloomed. In your case, however, the good news is that daylilies are hardy and can be moved almost any time in the growing season. They may not bloom this year but they should recover enough to give you flowers next year.

Since they are currently sitting in the middle of your new driveway, I would dig them up with soil around the roots and set them aside until you can find a new location for them. The soil will help reduce their moving stress and buy you a little time to find them a new home.

Daylilies prefer full sun and can grow in almost any soil type.

If you dig them up and they start turning yellow, that’s an indication they are not photosynthesizing sun into energy because their roots are exposed. If you can’t get them planted, give the roots soil and water and place them in shade to minimize stress.

I have dug up daylilies and moved them directly to a new hole without them missing a beat so if you can move them quickly, that would be best. Remember to water them after you re-plant them and keep them watered nicely until you see them re-established. A blanket of mulch will help keep water in the soil as well.

I recently moved some daylilies in between rain storms and they seem to be settling in quite nicely. Mine had a short detour in the garage for a week because of thunderstorms. The rain softened the soil so getting them planted was easy. Now it’s up to them to settle in.

Charlotte