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Summary
Hemerocallis species
Daylilies are a flowering plant in the genus Hemerocallis. The flowers are usually large and showy, with six petals. They come in various colours: yellow, orange, pink, red and purple. The daylily is native to Eurasia and is found in many parts of the world. The flowers typically last for one day, hence the name ‘daylily’. They are straightforward to grow, with many forms tolerant of almost total neglect. Daylilies are widely used as a food crop in China and Japan. The genus comprises about 20 species. The Common DayLily H. fulva is more heat tolerant and grows well in drier climates. All parts of the plants are edible, with the flowers used more frequently. Eat the flowers raw when fully open. The petals are thick, crisp and juicy, with a delicate sweetness at their base due to their nectar. They are nutritious, containing reasonable quantities of protein, carbohydrates, iron and vitamin A. They are a great addition to the salad bowl. Cook flower buds; they taste like green beans. In the Orient, the flowers are dried and used as a flavouring and thickener in soups and sauces. The young shoots have a pleasant sweet flavour, making an excellent cooked vegetable. Depending on the species, young shoots are harvested from late winter and for much of the spring. Many species also produce edible nutty-flavoured young roots eaten raw or cooked.
Many Hemerocallis species are excellent weed-excluding ground cover, succeeding under and around trees and shrubs. Plant clump-forming species such as H. dumortieri, H. lilioasphodelus and H. middendorffii 50cm (18in) apart. Running species such as H. fulva are planted up to 1m (3ft) apart. Lemon Daylily (H. citrina) is tolerant of dry conditions. The dried or fresh flowers, sometimes called "gum jum" or "golden needles" are used in Chinese cuisine for dishes including hot and sour soup, daylily soup, Buddha's delight, and moo shu pork.
Physical Characteristics
Hemerocallis citrina is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.8 m (2ft 7in) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
H. baroni.
Plant Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Meadow; Cultivated Beds;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Root Shoots
Edible Uses:
Leaves and young shoots - cooked[205]. They must be consumed when very young or else they become fibrous[K]. Flowers and flower buds - raw or cooked[105, 177]. The flowers can be dried and used as a thickener in soups etc. The slender trumpets vary from 12 - 17cm long[205]. There can be from 7 to 65 buds on a flowering stem[205]. The flower buds contain about 43mg vitamin C per 100g, 983 IU vitamin A and 3.1% protein[205]. Root - raw or cooked[205]. The flavour is somewhat radish-like but not so sharp[205].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antidote Diuretic Vitamin C
The juice of the roots is an effective antidote in cases of arsenic poisoning[205]. A tea made from the boiled roots is used as a diuretic[205].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Weaving
The tough dried foliage is plaited into cord and used for making footwear[205]. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen:
Yes – Daylilies produce abundant nectar, attracting various pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting):
Yes – The flowers and young buds of daylilies are edible and can be consumed by both humans and wildlife. The dense foliage can provide some shelter for small wildlife, though they are not typically used for nesting.
3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover):
Yes – Daylilies can provide ground cover and some overwintering habitat for beneficial insects, particularly in their leaf litter.
4. Pest Confuser (Smell):
No – Daylilies do not have a strong aroma that would effectively confuse pests.
Special Uses
Food Forest Scented Plants
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Succeeds in most soils[1], including dry ones, preferring a rich moist soil[200]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeding in sun or shade, it produces more flowers in a sunny position though these flowers can be shorter-lived in very sunny positions[205]. Succeeds in short grass if the soil is moist[1]. Prefers a pH between 6 and 7[200]. Plants are hardy to at least -20°c[187]. Widely cultivated in China for its edible flowers, especially in Hunan province[266]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[200]. This species is said to be self-incompatible[127, 205]. Many of the plants in cultivation under this name are H. thunbergii[205]. The sub-species H. citrina vespertina (Hara.)Erhardt. is a very free-flowering form, producing up to 75 buds per scape and capable of flowering from July to October if the weather is suitable[205]. The plant forms a loose spreading clump[K]. The roots form pseudobulbs[205]. Plants take a year or two to become established after being moved[1]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]. The plants are very susceptible to slug and snail damage, the young growth in spring is especially at risk[200]. Individual flowers are very short-lived, they open in the late afternoon and die in the morning[200]. However, plants produce a succession of flowers for several weeks of the summer. The number of flowers on a scape varies from 7 to 65[205]. The flowers have a lemony scent[205]. Another report says that they have a pronounced honeysuckle scent[245].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Seed - sow in the middle of spring in a greenhouse. Germination is usually fairly rapid and good. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow the plants on for their first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring[K]. Division in spring or after flowering in late summer or autumn[200]. Division is very quick and easy, succeeding at almost any time of the year[K]. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Range
TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Anhui Sheng, Hebei Sheng, Henan Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Hunan Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng, Nei Mongol Zizhiqu, Shaanxi Sheng, Shandong Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng), Korea, Japan (Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku)
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
Baroni.
Botanical References
200266
Links / References
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