Daylily (Hemerocallis)

Daylily is a broad term covering species, varieties or hybrids of the genus Hemerocallis.

The name daylily comes from its characteristic feature: each flower has an unusually short lifespan; one day (although today there are hybrids that can last several days).

Daylilies are very diverse in their shapes and colors, which is the result of many generations of experimentation in growing the genus. There is also a wealth of daylily varieties that are admired and studied by the many local and international daylily associations.

Facts about daylilies

• Daylilies grow wild in Eurasia and originate from Asia (China, Korea and Japan). Today, however, daylilies are cultivated all over the world and there are now more than 65,000 registered varieties

• Daylilies are not widely used in cut flower arrangements, although they are well suited for cut flowers (because new flowers continue to open on the same stem for several days)
• Whereas previously daylilies were only available in yellow, pink and red-brown, today they come in many colors and shades. The only colors not yet available are bright blue and chalky white (but they're working on it!)

Cultivation and care

Planting

Daylilies are hardy and adaptive perennials that can be left in a garden for many years with little or no care. They are able to adapt to several different soil types and light conditions. They establish quickly, grow evenly and survive the winter with little or no damage.

• Daylilies can adapt to most soil types, but thrive best in moist, well-drained soil with a lot of organic matter

• Daylilies should not be planted near trees or shrubs as these are likely to compete with the lilies for nutrients and moisture from the soil

• Daylilies can be grown in pots – but remember to plant them in frost-proof pots if they're going outdoors

• Daylilies can be planted at almost any time when the soil can be turned. It is recommended that you incorporate compost into the soil before planting the daylilies
  • Loosen the soil in a hole of approx. 40x40x40 cm and mix the excavated soil with the compost
  • Pick up the soil and set it aside
  • Place the plant in the hole and spread its roots out on all sides
  • Hold the crown of the plant and then cover the roots and hole with the soil/compost mixture. Leave the crown about 3 cm below the ground
  • Water the daylily immediately after planting
  • In the following weeks, water it if it starts to fade
  • Do not fertilize until 3 months after planting

Care of the daylily

Sun

Although some varieties need partial shade, most daylilies thrive in full sun. Generally speaking, light daylilies – such as yellows and pinks – need full sun to fully bring out their colors and dark daylilies – such as reds and purples – need partial shade because their dark colors absorb the sun's heat.

However, keep in mind that daylilies are generally hardy and can adapt to most conditions.

Characteristics of the daylily

Daylilies are perennials whose technical name – Hemerocallis – comes from the Greek words hemera, meaning “day” and kalos, meaning “beautiful”. The name refers to the tendency of daylilies to only stay open and beautiful for a maximum of 24 hours. Most daylilies open early in the morning and wither the following evening. The next day, a new flower may open on the same flower stalk. Some species also bloom in the evening.

The flower petals of the common single daylily consist of 3 petals and 3 sepals, each with a midrib in the same or a contrasting color to the flower petals. The center of the flower is typically a different color from the rest of the petals. Each flower usually has 6 stamens.

The size of daylilies varies greatly from variety to variety, but the flowers can be anywhere from 3 to 38 cm and the plant height up to 1.5 m.

“The perfect perennial”

In English, daylilies are often referred to as “the perfect perennial” because of their:

• Enchanting colors
• Ability to withstand drought
• Ability to thrive in different climates and areas
• Minimal care and maintenance needs
• Ability to adapt in the landscape

Flowering

Although different types of daylilies have different flowering periods, the flowering period of daylilies is generally relatively short. Most daylilies bloom for 1-4 weeks, but there is one daylily – a so-called rebloomer – that blooms twice in one season.

In addition, the season of flowering also varies; some daylilies bloom in spring, others in summer or late summer and some even in fall.

Classification

Today, daylilies are classified into:

Order: Order Asparagales (Asparagales)

Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae

Subfamily: Daylily family (Hemerocallidaceae)

– where they previously belonged:

Order: Order of Lilies (Liliales)

Family: Lily family(Liliaceae)

This means that daylilies are no longer considered true lilies, which was the case in the past. There are also other significant differences between true lilies and daylilies, such as the fact that:

• True lilies are bulbous plants, where daylilies are perennials
• The stems of true lilies have leaves, while the stems of daylilies are leafless (the leaves are instead in a tuft on the ground)

Daylilies in cooking

The flowers of some daylily species are edible and used in Chinese cuisine. They are sold fresh and dried, where they are known as “gum jum” or “golden needles”.

Daylilies are used in dishes such as sweet and sour soup, daylily soup, moo shu pork or the vegetarian dish Buddha's delight. They are also served deep-fried and steamed as a side dish. They can also be used fresh in salads.

Furthermore, daylilies are used medicinally in some Asian countries – be aware that daylilies are toxic to cats and some other lily species are toxic to humans and/or pets.