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Hemerocallis 'Ed Brown'
Ed Brown Daylily
East Asia (genus origin; cultivar is a garden hybrid)
At a Glance
TypePerennial
HabitClumping
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Height26-30 inches (65-75 cm)
Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
Maturity2 years
Overview
Hemerocallis 'Ed Brown' is a clumping, semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial reaching 26–30 inches (65–75 cm) tall and 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide. The tetraploid cultivar produces ruffled, trumpet-shaped flowers 5.5–6.5 inches (14–16.5 cm) across held on well-branched scapes. Petals are golden-peach to apricot-gold, broadly overlapping and heavily ruffled, with a faint rose halo encircling a green throat. Foliage is medium green, arching, strap-shaped, and 18–22 inches (45–55 cm) long. Bloom runs from June through August, with each individual flower opening for a single day before closing. Growth rate is moderate, with plants reaching mature clump size in 2 years. Hardy to USDA zone 3. The species parentage H. fulva and H. lilioasphodelus contribute to heat and drought tolerance once established. Clumps require division every 3–5 years to maintain flower production, and deep shade or waterlogged soils reduce bloom and increase rot risk. All plant parts contain colchicine-like compounds and are toxic to cats if ingested, causing acute kidney failure.
Native Range
Hemerocallis 'Ed Brown' is a garden hybrid and does not occur in the wild. The genus Hemerocallis is native to East Asia, with wild species distributed across China, Korea, Japan, and eastern Russia.Suggested Uses
Used in mid-border positions at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing, in mixed perennial beds, and in containers 3 gallons (11 L) or larger. The apricot-gold color range sits between yellow and pink daylily groupings. Deep shade and continuously wet soils cause flower reduction and crown rot.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2'2" - 2'6"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flowers appear from June through August over a 6–8 week period. Individual blooms are 5.5–6.5 inches (14–16.5 cm) across, ruffled and rounded, in golden-peach to apricot-gold with a faint rose halo and green throat. Each flower opens for one day. Scapes carry 15–25 buds and are well-branched, producing sequential bloom across the season.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Golden-peach to apricot-gold with faint rose halo and green throat; heavily ruffled; 5.5-6.5 inches acrossFoliage Description
Medium green, arching strap-shaped, 18-22 inches longGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow in full sun with 6 or more hours of direct light in average to moist, well-drained loam, clay, or sandy soil at pH 6.0–7.0. Flower color reaches its fullest saturation with 8+ hours of sun; pigment may fade under part shade. Water deeply once per week during the first growing season, then reduce to supplemental irrigation only during drought. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring at 1 tablespoon per square foot (30 g/m²). Divide clumps every 3–5 years in early spring or early fall to maintain bloom. Hardy to USDA zone 3; mulch is not required for winter survival.Pruning
Remove spent flower scapes at the base once all buds have opened and finished. Cut old foliage to 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) in late October through November or in early March before new growth emerges. Lift and divide crowded clumps every 3–5 years using a spade or two garden forks, replanting divisions at the original depth.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
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fallearly spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons