A Simple Fix for Leaning Daylily Scapes

 Daylily scapes can lean or tip over for a variety of reasons. Strong summer storms or the neighbor's dog running through the garden can make an otherwise sturdy scape tip or lean. Thin, weak scapes not strong enough to support several large blooms open on the same day, scapes that grow outside the fan without the necessary support at the base of the leaves forming the fan, etc.  These are a few of the reasons a scape may lean -- or worse, bend all the way to the ground.

Most often I find these leaning scapes while walking around the garden with my morning coffee. It is not exactly the perfect time to run to the potting shed for a stake and tie, not to mention that the look of a stake (or several in the case of cultivars with multiple weak scapes) is unappealing to me. When this happens in your garden, set down your coffee cup for a  minute and try this simple fix.

Daylily leaves have strong fibers, which run the length of the leaf with each vein, making them a perfect substitute for fine twine. After setting down your coffee, the first thing to do is take a good look at the leaves forming the clump. You want to choose a leaf growing in the opposite direction of your leaning scape and several leaves down from the newest leaves at the top of the clump.

Gently pull the leaf in the direction of the leaning scape with one hand while using your other hand to lift the scape slightly past the upright position so it leans a bit in the opposite direction. The position will create tension on the leaf after you tie it to the scape and hold the scape upright.

Next, wrap the leaf around the scape, bringing the leaf tip over the leaf to form a loop, and then poke the tip up through the loop, making a simple over-hand knot.

Carefully, so you don't split the leaf, tighten the knot and slowly release your grip on the scape.

When this is done properly, the scape will stand upright and the leaf tie will be barely noticeable.

If your first try doesn't lift the scape to where you want it, try again. With a little practice, you can quickly lift that scape, pick up your coffee cup, and continue your morning walk through the garden.