Daylily
Hemerocallis fulva
An exceptionally tough clumping perennial whose trumpet-shaped flowers each last a single day, but bloom in dazzling succession all summer. Available in thousands of cultivars and nearly foolproof to grow.
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Weekly; drought-tolerant once established
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
The daylily earns its name from blooms that open at dawn and wither by nightfall, yet each scape carries many buds so the show continues for weeks. Despite the lily-like flowers, it is not a true lily and grows from fleshy, fibrous roots rather than bulbs.
The common orange Hemerocallis fulva is a vigorous, naturalized roadside plant, while breeders have produced over 80,000 registered cultivars in nearly every color but true blue.
Daylilies are famous for being indestructible, thriving in poor soil, heat, drought, and neglect, which makes them a go-to plant for low-maintenance landscapes.
How to identify it
- Flowers: Trumpet- or star-shaped, 3-6 in. wide, each lasting one day; borne on leafless stalks (scapes) above the foliage
- Leaves: Long, narrow, arching, sword-like and grass-green, growing in dense fans from the base
- Habit: Mounding clump 1-4 ft tall depending on cultivar
- Roots: Thick, fleshy, fibrous (not a bulb)
- Bloom time: Early to late summer, with rebloomers extending into fall
Care & growing
Light: Full sun yields the most blooms; lighter-colored varieties tolerate partial shade.
Water: Average moisture; well-established plants tolerate drought, though steady water improves flowering.
Soil: Adaptable to almost any soil with reasonable drainage.
Temperature: Hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Feeding: A light spring feeding of balanced fertilizer supports bloom; they are not heavy feeders.
Propagation: Divide clumps in spring or fall every 3-5 years to maintain vigor. Quick and easy to split.
Habitat & origin
Daylilies originate in Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan, where they grow in meadows, forest margins, and along streams. The tawny orange daylily has naturalized widely across roadsides and old homesteads in North America and Europe.
They are now grown globally in gardens of every kind, from formal borders to mass plantings on slopes and median strips.
Uses & benefits
Ornamental: Versatile for borders, mass plantings, slopes, and erosion control; excellent low-maintenance ground cover.
Culinary: Flower buds and petals of Hemerocallis are edible and used in Asian cuisine; dried buds (golden needles) feature in soups and stir-fries. Confirm species and avoid for pets.
Ecological: Flowers attract bees and butterflies during their brief daily bloom.
Frequently asked questions
Why does each daylily flower only last one day?
It is the plant's natural strategy; the genus name Hemerocallis means 'beauty for a day.' Each scape produces many buds, so new flowers open daily over a long bloom period.
Are daylilies true lilies?
No. Despite the name and lily-like blooms, they belong to the genus Hemerocallis, not Lilium, and are far easier and tougher to grow.
Are daylilies safe for pets?
Daylilies are dangerously toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure, so keep them away from cats. They are also mildly problematic for dogs.
How often should I divide daylilies?
Every 3-5 years when clumps get crowded and bloom declines. Dig and split in spring or early fall.
Daylily guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Daylily.
