Daylilies are a popular garden perennial with prices that vary by plant type, size, and supplier. Typical cost drivers include plant size, quantity, shipping, and whether professional planting is included. This article outlines realistic pricing ranges in USD to help budget and compare options.
Assumptions: region, plant size, quantity, and whether planting services are included.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bare-root daylily plant | $3 | $5 | $8 | Typically sold in bundles |
| Potted daylily plant | $6 | $10 | $15 | Retail nursery stock |
| Larger clump / established division | $15 | $25 | $30 | More plant material and faster coverage |
| Delivery | $10 | $40 | $100 | Distance-based |
| Planting service (per hour) | $35 | $65 | $100 | Labor costs vary by region |
| Planting labor (per plant, estimate) | $5 | $15 | $30 | Assumes multiple plants/visit |
| Tax & extra fees | $0 | $5 | $20 | Varies by state |
Overview Of Costs
Daylily pricing typically ranges from a few dollars per plant to several tens of dollars for larger clumps. The main cost drivers are plant type (bare-root vs potted vs established clump), quantity, and whether buyers hire help for planting. On a project basis, a small bed may cost a few hundred dollars, while a larger installation runs higher due to additional plants and labor.
Cost Breakdown
To understand where money goes, a table below lists common cost components and expected ranges.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes | Typical Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $3 | $12 | $30 | Includes bare-root, potted, or clump plants | |
| Labor | $50 | $150 | $300 | Planting, bed prep, and initial care | data-formula=”hours × hourly_rate”> |
| Delivery/Disposal | $10 | $40 | $100 | Transport to site; waste removal | |
| Permits | $0 | $10 | $50 | Rare for residential plantings | |
| Taxes | $0 | $5 | $20 | State/local tax on purchases | |
| Overhead & Contingency | $5 | $15 | $40 | Project administration | |
| Warranty / Replacement | $0 | $5 | $25 | Some suppliers offer guarantees |
Factors That Affect Price
Key price drivers include plant size and source, climate zone, and planting complexity. Bare-root plants are cheapest, while established clumps deliver immediate impact but cost more. Local availability, seasonal demand, and shipping distance also influence final cost. A high-quality daylily cultivar with strong bloom and disease resistance tends to command a premium, especially from specialty nurseries.
Ways To Save
Smart shopping can cut costs without sacrificing results. Buy in-season and in larger quantities to qualify for bulk pricing. Consider bare-root transfers for cost savings, or group orders with neighbors. If planting yourself, you can reduce labor costs by performing bed prep and spacing tasks prior to delivery, while scheduling delivery during non-peak seasons may offer modest discounts.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to climate, demand, and local labor rates. In the Northeast, bare-root daylilies may average $4-$6 per plant, with planting labor higher. The West Coast often sees $6-$12 per bare-root plant and higher delivery costs due to geography. In the Midwest and South, expect $3-$10 per bare-root plant, with moderate labor charges. Urban nurseries typically price higher than suburban and rural shops due to overhead and convenience.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor impact is substantial when planting large beds. A professional crew can install 50-150 plants per day depending on site access and bed preparation. Hourly rates commonly run $50-$100, with total labor for a medium install typically $200-$800. For DIY planting, factor in time for soil prep, irrigation, and initial mulching, which adds value but lowers material-only costs.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical outcomes.
Basic: 20 bare-root daylilies + basic soil prep, no irrigation install. Specs: 20 plants, standard garden soil, no mulch. Labor: 2 hours. Total: $120-$260. Per-plant: $3-$8 plus minimal labor.
Mid-Range: 40 potted daylilies with shrubs, delivery, and light mulch. Specs: 40 plants, delivery distance moderate, 2 hours planting. Total: $360-$880. Per-plant: $6-$15; delivery and mulch add $40-$120.
Premium: 60 established clumps with premium cultivars, full bed prep, irrigation integration. Specs: 60 plants, professional installation, warranty. Total: $1,200-$2,400. Per-plant: $15-$30; labor $400-$1,200; irrigation add-ons may push higher.
Maintenance & Ownership Costs
Ongoing costs include water, mulch, and occasional replacements. Daylilies are relatively drought-tolerant but benefit from deep irrigation during establishment. Expect annual mulch replenishment of $30-$80 for a modest bed and occasional replacement of stressed fans or divisions at $5-$25 per plant if desired. Fertilizer or soil amendments may add $20-$50 per year depending on soil quality and plant density.
Price By Region
Regional differences affect total project cost more than unit price. In coastal markets, expect higher delivery and labor charges; inland regions often feature lower shipping costs but variable availability. Suburban areas typically cost less than dense urban markets due to space and logistics. A practical rule is to plan for a ±20% delta between regions for a similar plant mix and bed size.
Estimate tools and practical planning help keep spending aligned with goals. If a homeowner needs to fill a 200-square-foot bed with 60 daylilies, the project could span bare-root purchases, delivery, and planting labor within $600-$2,300 depending on plant type and installation scope.