Perennial Flower

When to Plant Daylilies in Virginia

Nearly indestructible perennials with stunning trumpet-shaped blooms. Each flower lasts just one day, but the show goes on for weeks.

The Short Answer

Daylilies thrive across Virginia, producing reliable color from the mountains to the coast with minimal care.

Virginia Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Virginia you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Mountain Virginia 5b, 6a May 1 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 10
Piedmont/Central Virginia 7a, 7b Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 15 - Nov 1
Tidewater/Coastal 7b, 8a Mar 20 - Apr 5 Oct 25 - Nov 10

Daylilies Planting Schedule for Virginia

Mountain Virginia (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10

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0 wks after frost

Piedmont/Central Virginia (Zones 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1

Transplant Outside
0 wks after frost

Tidewater/Coastal (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 20 - Apr 5 · Average first frost: Oct 25 - Nov 10

Transplant Outside
0 wks after frost

Growing Daylilies in Virginia

State-Specific Growing Tips

Plant from fall through spring. Full sun for maximum bloom. Virginia's moderate climate supports both dormant and evergreen types. Daylilies handle Piedmont clay well. Divide every 3-4 years.

Recommended Varieties for Virginia

Stella de Oro, Happy Returns. Semi-evergreen types work statewide. Virginia daylily societies host garden tours.

Common Challenges in Virginia

Daylily rust in humid conditions. Deer browse in mountain and rural areas.

Growing Tips

Plant bare-root or divisions in spring or fall. Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor. Deadhead to keep gardens tidy.

Companion Planting

Plant daylilies alongside these companions for better growth:

Coneflowers Black Eyed Susans

The Bottom Line

Daylilies can be grown successfully in Virginia with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Mountain Virginia gardeners work with a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Tidewater/Coastal sees frost end around Mar 20 - Apr 5. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Daylilies Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Virginia Planting Calendar All plants for Virginia Daylilies in Alabama Alabama planting dates Daylilies in Alaska Alaska planting dates Daylilies in Arizona Arizona planting dates Daylilies in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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