Daylilies
Hemerocallis
Liliaceae Family

The daylily is a member of the lily family Liliaceae, as are other bulbs plants such as onions and hyacinths. Whereas lilies are in the plant genus Lilium, daylilies are in the genus Hemerocallis, which is native Asia. The term Hemerocallis is derived from two Greek words meaning "beauty" and "day," referring to the fact that each single flower lasts only one day. To make up for this, there are many flower buds on each daylily flower stalk, and many stalks in each clump of plants; so, the flowering period of a clump is usually several weeks long. Many varieties have more than one flowering period so it is easy to have daylilies blooming from late spring until autumn.

Daylilies are able to survive with very little care in a wide range of climates. They are often referred to as the perfect perennial because they are so easy and such a pleasure to grow. They are available in a wide range of colors. For the most part, daylilies are disease and insect free and drought-tolerant. Early spring or very late fall are the most desirable planting times. They adapt to various soil and light conditions. Any good, well-drained garden soil will suit them, but they do prefer a spot in full sun. They do best with a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day, but they will tolerate part-shade conditions. The color of the bloom can be used to indicate general rules of thumb for their light preferences. Light yellow cultivars, many shades of pink, and delicate pastels need full sun to bring out their lovely colorings. Many red and purple cultivars benefit from partial shade in the hottest part of the day because dark colors absorb heat and do not withstand the sun as well as lighter colors.

The crown of a daylily is the stem of the daylily plant. It is the solid white core located between the leaves and the roots. The crown produces the roots from its sides and lower surface. The leaves and "scapes" are produced from the upper surface of the crown. The "scape" of a daylily is a leafless stalk that bears the flowers. Most have two or more branches, each bearing several flower buds. Below the branches, the stalks have a few leaf-like "bracts." Sometimes, a small plantlet grows at the junction of a bract and the scape. This is called a "proliferation" and can be rooted to produce another plant. There are 35,000 daylilies registered with the American Hemerocallis Society (AHS). While they are in full flower this summer, make note of the varieties you like most so you will know what to plant this Fall for your own beautiful blooms next summer.

The daylily information summarized in this article is elaborated in detail in Daylilies: The Beginner's Handbook or An Illustrated Guide to Daylilies, which may be ordered from the American Hemerocallis Society (AHS).

Copyright 1998-2008 California Garden Clubs, Inc.
... the non-profit federation of garden clubs in California representing more than 22,000 California gardeners.
For problems with this website, please contact webmaster@cagardenclubs.org