Daylily.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Herbaceous perennial

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

Varies greatly by cultivar, typically 1-3 feet tall and wide

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 3 to 9

Bloom time

Early summer to mid-fall, depending on cultivar

Care

Plant in well-draining soil and provide consistent moisture, especially when establishing. Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowers and keeps the plant looking tidy. Divide clumps every 3-5 years to maintain vigor and spread.

Watering

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in cooler weather.

Feeding

Fertilize in early spring as new growth appears and again after the main bloom cycle, if desired.

Pruning

Remove spent flower stalks (deadheading) regularly to encourage more blooms. Cut back foliage in late fall or early spring as needed.

Repotting

Divide overcrowded clumps every 3-5 years, typically in early spring or fall.

Soil

Adaptable to most well-draining soils

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

Temperature

-34.4 to 37.8°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Safety

People

Daylilies are generally considered non-toxic to humans, but some people may experience mild stomach upset if they ingest large quantities.

Pets

Non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Children

Daylily flowers and leaves are not considered toxic if ingested, but consuming large amounts may cause mild stomach upset in children.

Contact allergens

The sap can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Airborne allergens

While not a primary allergen, the pollen may cause some respiratory irritation in susceptible people.

Edibility

While some sources say daylily flowers and tubers are edible, it's best to avoid consuming them unless you are absolutely certain of the species and have prepared it correctly. Some varieties can cause stomach upset.

How to identify it

• Trumpet-shaped flowers
• Scape with multiple buds
• Strap-like basal leaves
• Rhizomatous root system
• Flowers last one day
• Often re-blooming cultivars available

Height

0.3 to 0.9m

Spread

0.3 to 0.9m

Leaves

Green, Gray-green, deciduous

Flowers

Yellow, Orange, Red, Pink, Purple, White, Cream, 5 to 15cm

Common problems

• Aphids — Small, pear-shaped insects that feed on plant sap, causing yellowing leaves and distorted growth.
• Spider Mites — Tiny pests that spin fine webs and suck sap, leading to stippled leaves and reduced plant vigor.
• Daylily Rust — A fungal disease that causes yellow spots on leaves, followed by orange-brown pustules, especially in humid conditions.
• Slugs and Snails — These mollusks chew holes in leaves and flowers, particularly noticeable in damp weather.
• Bud Blast — Flower buds fail to open, often caused by environmental stress like extreme temperatures or drought.

Growing it

Propagation

Division, Seed

When to plant

Spring, Fall

Plant daylilies with companions that have similar light and moisture needs to ensure everyone thrives.

Grows well with

• Hostas — Hostas share similar growing conditions and their broad leaves can help suppress weeds around daylilies.
• Coneflowers — Coneflowers provide a long blooming season and attract pollinators, complementing the colors and textures of daylilies.
• Salvia — Salvia offers a variety of colors and bloom times, and its upright growth habit contrasts nicely with the arching foliage of daylilies.
• Grasses (Ornamental) — Ornamental grasses add texture and movement to the garden, providing a beautiful backdrop or contrast to daylilies.

Keep away from

• Daylily Weevil — This pest feeds on daylily buds, preventing them from opening and causing significant damage to the blooms.
• Volunteers (Tomato, Potato) — These plants can compete for nutrients and water, and may spread diseases that could affect daylilies if planted too closely.

Similar species

• True Lilies — True lilies are often confused with daylilies, but they typically have true bulbs, different leaf arrangements, and much larger, more complex flowers.

Science

Family

Asphodelaceae

Genus

Hemerocallis

Order

Asparagales

Class

Liliopsida

Native range

East Asia, particularly China and Korea.

Conservation

Not of conservation concern.

Daylilies are adaptable plants that can colonize disturbed areas and naturalize in meadows and along roadsides where conditions are favorable.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, larval host plant

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds

Uses

ornamental, culinary

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How often should I water daylilies?

Water consistently, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Do daylilies need full sun?

Most daylilies perform best with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, though some varieties can tolerate partial shade.

When is the best time to plant daylilies?

Spring and fall are ideal planting times, allowing the plants to establish roots before extreme summer heat or winter cold.

How do I deadhead daylilies?

Remove spent flowers by snapping the scape (flower stalk) at its base or cutting it just above the foliage.

Can daylilies be divided?

Yes, dividing daylilies every 3-5 years in early spring or fall helps maintain plant vigor and manage overcrowding.

Where the name comes from

The common name 'daylily' refers to the short lifespan of each individual flower. The scientific name, Hemerocallis, comes from the Greek words 'hemera' (day) and 'kallos' (beauty), meaning 'day beauty'.

Good to know

• Each daylily flower typically lasts only one day, though the plant produces many buds that bloom sequentially.
• There are tens of thousands of registered daylily cultivars.
• Daylilies are incredibly adaptable and can thrive in a wide range of conditions.
• The genus name 'Hemerocallis' comes from Greek words meaning 'day' and 'beauty'.