Daylily gall midge

Daylily gall midge causes abnormal swelling of daylily flower buds and stems, preventing normal flower development. Affected buds fail to open and may show gall-like growth. You will see damage in late spring and summer as buds form. Heavily infested plants produce few or no flowers, creating obvious aesthetic loss in a garden focused on daylily display.

Remove and destroy affected buds and stems before midges exit to reduce population. Improve air circulation around daylilies by spacing plants farther apart; this helps reduce humidity that midges favor. Cut back daylily foliage in late fall to remove overwintering sites. No effective chemical control exists; management relies on sanitation and cultural practices. Accept some flower loss on heavily infested plantings or consider replanting with midge-resistant varieties.