Day Lily

Orange is a typical color for day lilies, but many other colors have been developed.

DAYLILY — Perennial — Sun/Part Shade

Hemerocallis spp. — him-er-oh-CALL-us

Height 8”-36” — Spread 24”-36”

Spacing 18”-24”

HABIT: Foliage like large leafed grass. Many colors, shapes of blooms and height of plants available. Blooms from late May until September. Each bloom lasts only one day but others follow. Blooms range in size from 2” - 8” across. There are dormant and evergreen varieties, depending on where they are planted. 

CULTURE: Easy, any well prepared and drained soil. Average water and heavy fertilizer needs. Divide in October or November every few years. Plant from containers year round. Summer flowers, background or accent plant, cut flowers. In addition to the standard orange, many colors and sizes are available and they grow throughout North America.

"Persian" variety, photo Mississippi State U Extension.

USES: Summer flowers, background or accent plant, cut flowers. The whole plant is edible: shoots, tubers, flowers, and flower bud. Here is more information and some recipes from PBS Kitchen Vignettes.

PROBLEMS: Few serious other than aphids in the spring. Ladybugs usually take care of them.

NOTES: Called Poor Man's Orchid. Plant divisions in the fall. Container plants can actually be planted any time of the year. Native to Europe, China, and Japan. Daylilies are considered a gourmet vegetable in some countries.

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