Hemerocallis Hybrids, daylily
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Perennials

Hemerocallis Hybrids

daylily

Asphodelaceae

Hybrid of garden origin; parent species from China, Japan, Korea, Siberia

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitClumping
FoliageDeciduous
Height12-48 inches (30-120 cm)
Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 9
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (light)
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

A diverse group of clump-forming perennials in the family Asphodelaceae, derived from interspecific crosses involving Hemerocallis fulva, H. lilioasphodelus, H. citrina, and numerous other Asian species. Hybrid daylilies form mounds of arching, strap-like leaves 12–30 inches (30–75 cm) long, semi-evergreen to deciduous depending on cultivar. Branched scapes rise 12–48 inches (30–120 cm) above the foliage, each bearing 12–25 or more buds. Individual flowers 2–7 inches (5–18 cm) across open for a single day; the succession of buds ensures a display of 2–5 weeks per scape. Flower forms range from simple six-tepaled stars to spiders, doubles, ruffled, triangular, and recurved types; colors span the entire spectrum except true blue and pure white, including bicolors, halos, and patterned throats. Many cultivars are repeat-blooming (reblooming), producing additional scapes through summer and into fall. Some cultivars, particularly yellow-flowered types, are mildly fragrant. Established plants are drought-tolerant and long-lived. Caution: all Hemerocallis species and hybrids are highly toxic to cats, causing acute kidney failure.

Native Range

Hybrid daylilies are of garden origin. The parent species are native to China, Japan, Korea, and Siberia, growing in diverse habitats from woodland edges and moist meadows to dry hillsides. Hemerocallis fulva (tawny daylily) has naturalized widely in North America along roadsides and disturbed ground and is considered invasive in some regions.

Suggested Uses

Planted as specimen plants, mass plantings, or border plants at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. Tolerates a wide range of soils and conditions. Effective as a low-maintenance ground cover on slopes. The diversity of forms and colors allows mixing early, mid, and late cultivars for a season-long display. Reblooming types provide the longest individual plant performance.

How to Identify

Identified by mounds of arching, strap-like leaves and erect, branched scapes bearing a succession of large, six-tepaled flowers that each last a single day. The lily-like flower form combined with the distinctly strap-leaved, non-bulbous clump habit distinguishes daylilies from true lilies (Lilium), which grow from bulbs with stem-clasping leaves. Each individual flower lasts exactly one day before collapsing.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 4'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow
orange
red
pink
purple
lavender
peach
cream

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks
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SpringSummerFall
Bloom season varies by cultivar from early (May–June), midseason (June–July), late season (August–September), or repeat-blooming (multiple flushes). An individual scape blooms for 2–5 weeks. By planting early, mid, and late cultivars, the blooming season can be extended from May through September. Reblooming cultivars require adequate soil moisture and fertility between flushes.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

full spectrum except true blue and white; bicolors, halos, and patterned throats

Foliage Description

medium green, arching strap-like

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-8 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun to partial shade in any fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0; daylilies tolerate a wide range of soil types. Full sun produces the most prolific bloom; partial shade extends flower life but reduces quantity. Water during establishment; established plants are drought-tolerant but bloom best with moderate summer irrigation. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as foliage emerges and again in early summer for reblooming types. Divide every 4–5 years in early spring or late summer when flower production declines or clumps become congested. Caution: all parts are highly toxic to cats.

Pruning

Remove individual spent scapes at ground level after all buds have opened. Trim off dead leaf tips and remove yellowed foliage throughout the season to keep plants tidy. Cut deciduous types to the ground in fall after frost; cut semi-evergreen and evergreen types back by one-half in early spring. Divide in early spring or late summer every 4–5 years by lifting and separating the crowns with a sharp knife or spade.

Pruning Schedule

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early springfall

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets