All manures are excellent. Horse manure is perhaps best because it breaks down well in winter. Cow manure breaks down more slowly. Chicken manure can give daylilies a quick boost and aids greatly in making fibrous roots. Yes, manures have weeds, but one must make sacrifices.
Leaves Rotted leaves make a wonderful compost.
Everyone should have a compost pile. I dig a hole for my pile and use the topsoil elsewhere in the garden. Pine needles decompose slowly and are less desirable in compost than leaves. Competition Large weeds, trees and shrubs deplete the soil of nutrients and water. Anytime you see good daylilies growing near trees or shrubs, you may be sure the daylilies are receiving constant feeding and watering.