Day Lily Hemerocallis

Old-fashioned orange and yellow daylilies have been hybridized to produce modern daylilies in a rainbow of colors and with flowering times from spring through summer.  Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil high in organic matter.  When planting, cover tubers in 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil; it is not usually necessary to lift and store them for the winter.  Propagate plants by division in the fall or spring.  These plants are frequently damaged by deer but are highly salt tolerant.  They are excellent to plant along banks and slopes and provide a nectar source for butterflies and hummingbirds.  However, they are toxic to cats, so be mindful of where you place these plants if you are a pet owner.

The genus name is derived from the Greek words hemera– day– and kallos– beauty– referring to the fact that each flower only lasts a day.

The flower tastes like asparagus or zucchini and can be eaten fresh, fried, or dried.  It may act as a diuretic or laxative so eat in moderation.  It has also been used in soap.

Quick ID Hints:

• Tall erect herbs with grass-like leaves
• Leaves often folded somewhat
• Flowers large to gigantic, reds to yellows
• Flowers with narrow tube opening to large bell-sha

Clump-forming, erect perennial herbs. 

Blooms early summer to frost; numerous cultivars, varying in plant size, flower size, color & degree of maculation; flowers ephemeral, lasting about one day; utilized in rock gardens, specimens, borders, containers, tree bases; floral color may fade in full sun. 

Prefers full sun to partial shade, high fertile organic soils that are well-drained; no serious pest-disease problems.

Family name previously Liliaceae