How To Get Rid Of Ditch Lilies

You can get rid of ditch lilies by digging up their dense tuberous root systems, but you have to be thorough and persistent because these tough perennials bounce back from even the smallest root fragment.
 
Getting rid of ditch lilies is a challenge many gardeners face, especially if these orange daylilies have been allowed to spread along a fence line or roadside for years.
 
If you’re wondering how to get rid of ditch lilies for good, the honest answer is that it takes a combination of physical removal, solarization, and sometimes a little chemical help.
 
These plants are also known as tiger lilies or roadside lilies, and while their blooms are pretty, their aggressive rhizomes can choke out native plants and take over your flower beds.
 
In this post, I’ll walk you through the most effective ways to get rid of ditch lilies without losing your sanity, and I’ll share tips to keep them from coming back.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Getting Rid of Ditch Lilies Is So Tricky

The main reason getting rid of ditch lilies is difficult is because of their root structure, which is a network of thick, fleshy tubers that can grow several feet deep.
 
Ditch lilies also reproduce through seeds and through bulbils that fall to the ground, so even a single missed root can start a whole new colony.
 
Another factor that makes getting rid of ditch lilies tough is their incredible tolerance for poor soil, drought, and neglect, which means they thrive where other plants struggle.
 
If you’ve ever tried to pull one up by hand and only snapped the top off, you already know why this plant is such a persistent weed.
 
So before you grab a shovel, let’s break down the best strategies for how to get rid of ditch lilies step by step.
 

1. Manual Digging and Removal

The most straightforward way to get rid of ditch lilies is to dig them out entirely, roots and all, using a sharp spade or garden fork.
 
Wait until the soil is slightly moist, not soaking wet, because damp soil makes it easier to lift the entire root clump without breaking it.
 
Start by loosening the soil around the clump about six to eight inches away from the base to avoid slicing through the roots.
 
Then, lever the fork under the root ball and lift the whole clump out, shaking off as much soil as you can.
 
You’ll likely find that the roots have spread sideways too, so dig a wide area and check for any white, cord-like runners.
 
After you’ve removed the main clump, sift through the soil with your hands or a rake to catch every remaining tuber fragment.
 
This is the most labor-intensive method for getting rid of ditch lilies, but it’s also the most reliable when done properly.
 
Dispose of the plants in a sealed trash bag, not in your compost bin, because the roots can survive composting and sprout in your garden later.
 

2. Using Cardboard and Mulch to Smother Them

If you have a large patch of ditch lilies and you’re not in a rush, smothering is a great way to get rid of ditch lilies without digging.
 
Cut or mow the ditch lilies down as low as possible, then cover the entire area with a thick layer of cardboard or several layers of newspaper.
 
Overlap the edges by at least six inches so the ditch lilies can’t poke through any gaps.
 
Wet the cardboard thoroughly, and then pile on four to six inches of mulch, wood chips, or compost on top.
 
This blocks all sunlight, and without light, the ditch lily leaves can’t photosynthesize and the roots eventually starve.
 
However, know that this method can take a full growing season or more to fully get rid of ditch lilies, and you may need to reapply the mulch if shoots push through.
 
Check the area every few weeks and pull out any green shoots that manage to emerge from the edges.
 
This no-dig approach is perfect for areas where you don’t plan to plant anything for a while, like along a fence line or under a tree.
 

3. Solarization with Clear Plastic

Solarization uses the sun’s heat to cook the ditch lilies and their roots, and it works best during the hottest months of summer.
 
To get rid of ditch lilies using solarization, first mow or cut the plants down to ground level and remove the cut foliage.
 
Water the area thoroughly so the soil is moist, because damp soil conducts heat better than dry soil.
 
Then, lay a clear plastic tarp over the entire patch, weighing down the edges with rocks, bricks, or soil to trap the heat inside.
 
The plastic should stay in place for at least four to six weeks during peak summer heat, and the soil temperature will rise high enough to kill the roots.
 
This method is especially effective for getting rid of ditch lilies that are growing in sunny, open areas, but it won’t work well in shady spots.
 
Once the plastic is removed, turn over the top few inches of soil and leave it exposed for a couple of weeks to see if any roots survived.
 
If you see regrowth, you’ll need to either repeat solarization or move on to chemical control.
 

Chemical Options to Get Rid of Ditch Lilies

When manual removal and smothering aren’t practical, you can use an herbicide to get rid of ditch lilies, and this often gives the fastest results.
 
Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide that kills almost any plant it touches, including ditch lilies, and it works best when applied to actively growing leaves.
 
Spray the ditch lily foliage on a calm, dry day, ideally in late summer or early fall when the plants are sending carbohydrates down to their roots.
 
It’s crucial to avoid spraying nearby desirable plants, so you can shield them with a piece of cardboard or apply the herbicide with a paintbrush instead of a sprayer.
 
You may need to apply glyphosate two or three times, spaced about two weeks apart, to fully get rid of ditch lilies because the roots store a lot of energy.
 
If you prefer a more targeted approach, you can cut the ditch lilies down and then paint the herbicide directly onto the cut stems.
 
This reduces the risk of drift and targets the chemical straight into the root system, making it easier to get rid of ditch lilies without harming other plants.
 
Remember to always read the label and follow the safety instructions, and keep children and pets away from the treated area until it dries.
 

Preventing Ditch Lilies from Coming Back

Once you’ve gone through the effort to get rid of ditch lilies, the last thing you want is for them to return, so proactive prevention is key.
 
After removing the plants, keep the bare soil covered with a thick layer of mulch, which blocks light and makes it hard for any leftover roots to sprout.
 
You can also plant a dense ground cover or competitive perennials in that area, because healthy plants will take up space and resources that ditch lilies need.
 
Keep an eye out for new shoots every few weeks, especially after rain, and pull them immediately while they’re small and easy to remove.
 
Another trick is to install a physical barrier, like a buried plastic or metal edging, around the area to stop underground runners from creeping in from neighboring yards.
 
Also, avoid tossing any ditch lily roots or flowers into your compost or green waste pile, as that’s a common way for them to sneak back into your garden.
 
And never dump the roots onto the ground or into a vacant lot, because why would you want to spread this problem to someone else’s yard?
 
The more diligent you are with these follow-up checks, the easier it will be to get rid of ditch lilies permanently.
 

So, How to Get Rid of Ditch Lilies for Good?

You can get rid of ditch lilies for good by combining thorough manual digging, smothering or solarization, and, if needed, careful herbicide application.
 
Getting rid of ditch lilies isn’t a one-and-done task, it’s a process that requires patience, persistence, and a good pair of garden gloves.
 
The digging method works best for small patches, while solarization and smothering are better for larger areas, and chemicals are a solid last resort.
 
Whichever approach you choose, just remember that the key to getting rid of ditch lilies is removing every piece of root and staying vigilant for regrowth.
 
I hope this guide has given you a clear plan to tackle those orange invaders, and I’m confident that with a little effort, you’ll win the battle.
 
Happy gardening, and may your yard stay ditch lily-free.