Troubleshooting
Daylily 'Bitsy' problems — and how to fix them
Daylily 'Bitsy' (Hemerocallis 'Bitsy') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Overcrowding
Miniature clumps fill containers and border edges quickly. Divide every 2 years to maintain vigour and prevent reduced flowering from competition.
Aphids
Small colonies on scapes and buds are common in spring. Treat with insecticidal soap or a jet of water; avoid broad-spectrum insecticides that harm pollinators.
Daylily rust
Puccinia hemerocallidis can infect compact cultivars. Remove affected foliage and apply fungicide if infection spreads beyond isolated leaves.
Hemerocallis gall midge
Contarinia quinquenotata larvae cause swollen, aborted buds. Remove and destroy all affected buds; no effective chemical controls are registered.
Poor flowering
Usually caused by overcrowding or insufficient light. Divide the clump and move to a sunnier position if bloom count drops noticeably.
Prevent daylily 'bitsy' problems before they start
Most daylily 'bitsy' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Daylily 'Bitsy' problems — FAQ
Why is my daylily 'bitsy' overcrowding?
Miniature clumps fill containers and border edges quickly. Divide every 2 years to maintain vigour and prevent reduced flowering from competition.
Why is my daylily 'bitsy' aphids?
Small colonies on scapes and buds are common in spring. Treat with insecticidal soap or a jet of water; avoid broad-spectrum insecticides that harm pollinators.
Why is my daylily 'bitsy' daylily rust?
Puccinia hemerocallidis can infect compact cultivars. Remove affected foliage and apply fungicide if infection spreads beyond isolated leaves.
Why is my daylily 'bitsy' hemerocallis gall midge?
Contarinia quinquenotata larvae cause swollen, aborted buds. Remove and destroy all affected buds; no effective chemical controls are registered.
Why is my daylily 'bitsy' poor flowering?
Usually caused by overcrowding or insufficient light. Divide the clump and move to a sunnier position if bloom count drops noticeably.