Daylilies are popular for curb appeal and easy maintenance. Prices vary by cultivar, size, and sourcing method, with main cost drivers including plant type, quantity, and shipping or delivery. This guide presents practical price ranges in dollars to help budgeting.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single bare-root daylily | $3 | $5 | $8 | Most common varieties; seasonal sales exist |
| Container-grown daylily | $6 | $10 | $15 | Often larger or newer cultivars |
| Bulk discount (12–25 plants) | $2.50 | $4.50 | $7 | Per-plant price decreases with volume |
| Shipping or delivery per order | $5 | $12 | $25 | Depends on distance and speed |
| Planting supplies (soil, mulch) | $20 | $50 | $120 | Per garden bed or area |
| Labor for planting | $0 | $1.50 | $3 | Assumes basic DIY planting; professional rates higher |
Overview Of Costs
Typical project ranges for daylilies span from a small border planting to a larger perennial bed. A modest landscape with 6–12 plants and basic soil amendments may run around $60-$180, while a mid sized bed with 20–40 plants and professional installation may reach $800-$1,800. A premium, well-mulked bed with 50–100 plants and irrigation integration can exceed $2,500. These figures combine plant costs, soil amendments, and optional services.
Cost Breakdown
Assumptions: region, cultivar choice, and planting method affect totals.
| Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Warranty | Contingency | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3–$15 per plant | $0–$1.50 per plant | $0–$75 | $0 | $5–$25 | Included with nursery stock | 10–15% of subtotal | Varies by state |
Pricing Variables
Cultivar choice drives cost, with common varieties at the low end and reblooming or miniatures at the high end. data-formula=”number_of_plants × price_per_plant”> Another factor is plant size, where container-grown stock costs more than bare-root. Climate zones influence shipping and selection; hotter regions may favor drought-tolerant hybrids with slightly higher prices.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by market. In urban areas, higher land costs and delivery fees can push totals up by about 10–20% versus rural locations. Suburban nurseries often balance inventory with midrange pricing, while rural sellers may offer deeper discounts on bulk purchases. Regional deltas often fit roughly as follows: Urban +12%, Suburban ±0%, Rural −8% to −15% for similar volumes.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor costs for planting depend on terrain and accessibility. A small bed may require 1–2 hours of labor for a DIY job, or 2–4 hours for a professional crew. Expect hourly rates in the $40–$75 range for pros, with crew size scaling by project scope. Assumptions: labor hours, crew rate, and site readiness.
Where The Money Goes
| Cost Component | Typical Range | Notes | Per-Unit | Assumptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (plants, soil) | $3–$15 | Species and size affect cost | $3–$15 | Includes amendments |
| Labor | $0–$3 per plant | DIY vs professional | $0–$3 | Per-plant estimate |
| Delivery/Delivery | $5–$25 | Distance dependent | $5–$25 | Flat or variable |
| Accessories | $5–$20 | Mulch, edge material | $5–$20 | Bed prep items |
| Warranty/Quality guarantees | Often included | Plant replacement policies vary | — | Check nursery terms |
| Taxes | Varies | Sales tax applies | — | State dependent |
Real-World Pricing Examples
Scenario A — Basic: 6 bare-root daylilies, simple soil amendments, DIY planting, rural area. Plants: $3 each; subtotal $18. Supplies: $20. Delivery: $10. Labor: $0. Total: about $48. Assumptions: zone 6, standard varieties.
Scenario B — Mid-Range: 20 container-grown daylilies, mulch and amendments, local nursery, suburban market. Plants: $10 average; subtotal $200. Materials: $60. Delivery: $15. Labor: $100 (2 workers, 2 hours). Total: about $375. Assumptions: non irrigation integration.
Scenario C — Premium: 40 premium reblooming daylilies, professional planting with bed prep and weed barrier, delivery, and warranty. Plants: $12 average; subtotal $480. Materials: $120. Delivery: $25. Labor: $320 (2 workers, 4 hours). Total: about $945. Assumptions: zone 7, full install package.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Cost Compared To Alternatives
Compared with other perennials, daylilies often offer similar initial costs but longer seasonal display. Per-plant pricing can be lower than many flowering perennials when purchased bare-root or in bulk, while premium cultivars may approach midrange prices of popular shrubs. For long-term maintenance, daylilies typically require minimal ongoing care beyond occasional division, potentially reducing long-term upkeep costs.
Maintenance & Ownership Costs
Ongoing costs are modest: annual dividing of mature clumps to maintain vigor, occasional fertilizer, and mulch replenishment. Expect a five-year ownership outlook to reflect ongoing replacement of older divisions and periodic soil amendments. The bulk of expenses occurs upfront with plant procurement and initial bed prep, not ongoing yearly maintenance.
