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Daylily Hemerocallis fulva

Daylily (Hemerocallis fulva) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Asphodelaceae family, native to Temperate eastern Asia (China, Korea, Japan). It grows 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) tall and 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -34 °C (-29 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.

Plan Daylily in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.

Daylily at a glance

TypePerennial flowering plant, deciduous
FamilyAsphodelaceae
Mature height60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft)
Mature spread60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft)
Spacing60 cm (24 in) centre to centre
SunFull sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day
WaterModerate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance moderate
Soil pH6–7
Cold hardinessAbout -34 °C (-29 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4)
Heat stressLikely above about 35 °C (95 °F)
Floweringfrom about June for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones)
Wind toleranceLow
Pollinator valueModerate
EdibleYes: flower buds, flowers (cooked), young shoots
Native toTemperate eastern Asia (China, Korea, Japan)
Common in gardens of🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇨🇦 Canada
Invasive inUS (eastern states, locally): check local rules before planting

Is Daylily toxic?

Hemerocallis is documented by ASPCA as toxic to cats, where even small amounts can cause acute kidney failure; it is listed as non-toxic to dogs.

If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.

Companion planting: what to grow with Daylily

No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.

See Daylily in a botanical garden

It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:

Questions about Daylily

How far apart should I plant Daylily?
About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft).
Does Daylily need full sun?
Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
How much water does Daylily need?
Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
How cold-hardy is Daylily?
It tolerates about -34 °C (-29 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
When does Daylily flower?
From about June for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
Is Daylily poisonous to cats and dogs?
For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people mildly toxic. Hemerocallis is documented by ASPCA as toxic to cats, where even small amounts can cause acute kidney failure; it is listed as non-toxic to dogs.
What grows well with Daylily?
There is no well-documented companion pairing for Daylily. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).

Sources and evidence

Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).

Notes and assumptions

Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.

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