Ditch Lily Hemerocallis fulva

Orange daylily is a herbaceous perennial bulb in the daylily family (Asphodelaceae). Its native range is Asia, including China and Japan, but it has naturalized in Europe and much of North America (including North Carolina). The genus name comes from the Greek words hemera for “day” and kallos for “beauty.” This refers to the fact that each flower lasts just one day. The species epithet, fulva, refers to the flower’s reddish-yellow or tawny amber color. The plants are roughly 2.5 feet in height and width.

This daylily grows in full sun to partial shade in average, well-drained soil, but does tolerate poor soil as well. It is low maintenance with only moderate water requirements and naturalizes easily. The clump, which spreads rapidly by rhizomes, may be divided for propagation as needed.

The orange daylily blooms are very striking, up to 5 inches in diameter, their scapes rising up to 6 feet tall above the sword-like leaves. It grows in large clumps, naturalizing along roads and in older gardens.

Orange daylily adds interest to a perennial border, or when massed over larger areas. It is well-suited for butterfly, drought-tolerant, edible, or pollinator gardens. It may slow or halt erosion when planted on slopes. When not in bloom, the plants provide texture to the garden and crowd out weeds. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant problems. The plant is reportedly toxic to cats.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common day lily diseases and other plant problems.

For more daylily options see Hemerocallis hybrida, which includes the showier hybrids that are more common in cultivation than the species.

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More information on Hemerocallis.