A must have summer plant: Hemerocallis-Daylily

Hemerocallis Daylily is a stellar-shaped flowering (lily-like) perennial that typically blossoms only for a day. Still, it is one of those widespread plants that horticulturists rightfully adore. Quite many varieties are created, and people grow it all around the world.

Hemerocallis Daylily is not just a Summer fashion trend

For many reasons, Hemerocallis Daylily is one of those must have garden plants, certainly not just a fashion trend. The best part is that everyone – from house holdings to office buildings use Daylily as a part of their frontal garden in perennial beds. It might have gotten the name by daily flowering, but new buds will keep on opening if you treat it right. Just like you would your lover. So, this pinch of summer in your garden will provide you with a long blossoming period of trumpet-like red to yellow flowers.

Daylily Hemerocallis

Hemerocallis growing technology

Depending on the selection variety, Hemerocallis Daylily blooming lasts 10 to 25 days, presenting summer in its full swing – from May till August. Flowers are yellow, orange, pink, red, lavender and brown, often bicolored. The entire plant can be used as a ground cover, growing in moist, shaded and semi-shaded places. Flowers are fragrant and can be used as fresh cut flowers. Propagation of Hemerocallis is by dividing root cuttings.

Care measures: irrigation, fertilization and removing faded flowers are necessary

Hemerocallis varieties

Let’s start with typical features for Hemerocallis genus, a perennial that grows up from 30 to 120 cm tall, blossoms from May till July in bright sunny yellow and orange colored flowers. Leaves are typical for Liliaceae, elongated, bright green, so even before flowering, Hemerocallis Daylily will look nice.

– H. minor is the tiniest daylily of all – only 40 cm tall, yellow flowers are full in May and June, prefers sunny spots like rock gardens and flower beds

The tiniest of all Hemerocallis Daylily plants

– H. middendorffii is somewhat shorter – 40 to 60 cm and it goes yellow in May and June. That is when you can cut it fresh. It stands sun and heat, hence besides flower beds, it grows in rock gardens also

– H. dumortieri is a petite variety – grows 30-50 cm tall, orange flowers are in bloom from May until July, loves sunny places in flower beds, and is used as a fresh cut flower

– H. aurantiaceae is 60-80 cm tall. Flowers are wide funnel-shaped, dark orange and grows in bright places from May till July in garden beds, and is used freshly cut. Originates from Japan.

Tall Hemerocallis Daylily varieties

– H. citrina is 60-100 cm, sometimes 120 cm tall, blossoms abundantly, opening at dusk and in the evening – from May till July. Lemon yellow flowers are scented, narrow funnel shaped and 15 cm long. and grows in sunny flower beds, and is used as a fresh cut flower. It is native to Japan and China.

– H. flava (Lemon Lily, Yellow Daylily) is one of the tallest: 80-100 cm. It is scented and blossoms yellowish (as the name says) earlier – in May and June. Prefers moist places, naturally at the oak forests edges. Leaves are only 1-2 cm wide. Flowershops use it as a fresh cut flower, but it can be used in parks and garden beds too

– H. thunbergii is 70 cm tall, one of the most prolific bloomers – from June till August. Likes semi-shade and shade opposite to other varieties, and is native to Japan. Flowers yellow with darker neck and is used as a fresh flower too

– H. fulva (Tawny Daylily, Orange Daylily) is the tallest and the darkest one, being 90-120 cm and orange to brown flowering. Loves sunny spots grows in flower beds and can be cut fresh. It is typical genus representative, native to Eastern Asia, but thrives in the wilderness in Europe as well. The entire plant is robust and leaves are large – 3 to 5 cm wide.

Tawny Daylily, Orange Daylily is the tallest and the darkest one

Varieties of Daylily are numerous. Take your pick in compliance with your goals and micro climate, of course. Just treat it right, allow it to flower and look sexy, for Hemerocallis will indeed be your best ally in beautifying garden beds.