Daylilies (Hemerocallis)

Why is it called a Daylily?
Daylilies belong to the genus Hemerocallis and are native to Asia. The name ‘Hemerocallis’ is derived from Greek and means ‘beauty for a day’. This refers to the fact that each individual flower lasts for only a single day.

However, as the plant produces an abundance of buds on multiple stems, you can enjoy a continuous display of blooms throughout the growing season.

Why UK gardeners love Daylilies: key characteristics
Gardeners across the United Kingdom appreciate Daylilies for the striking beauty they bring to the garden with very little effort. They are prized for their showy, trumpet-shaped flowers. Daylilies form long, linear and grass-like leaves, typically appearing in shades of green or greenish-yellow. Daylilies grow from underground rhizomes and can reach heights of up to 91 cm.

A flowering plant that thrives in full sun to partial shade
Daylilies are widely regarded as easy to grow and relatively low-maintenance. These plants are remarkably adaptable and thrive in a variety of conditions, from full sun to partial shade.

What are the flower colours of Daylilies?
The flower colour options for beautiful Daylilies are almost endless, ranging from sunny yellows and vibrant oranges to deep purples, pinks and reds. You can find cultivars in nearly every shade imaginable. Many varieties feature ruffled edges or contrasting “eyes”, adding intricate detail and visual interest to the garden.

Daylily bloom time
The peak flowering period typically runs from late spring to late summer, depending on the variety. However, the wide range of cultivars means you can enjoy colour in the garden for several months. Some Daylilies emerge and bloom in early spring, while others perform later in the summer.

For the most consistent display, many gardeners choose reblooming Daylilies, which are bred to produce more than one flowering scape per fan of leaves.

From urban balconies to country estates: who are Daylilies for?
Daylilies are an excellent choice for any gardener seeking reliable results with minimal effort. Because they are low-maintenance, they are ideal for busy homeowners who want a beautiful garden without constant upkeep.

They are incredibly versatile and grow well in diverse landscapes, making them a staple across the United Kingdom. Whether you are planting in spacious rural gardens or small urban containers, these perennials provide the structure and colour needed to anchor your planting design.

Explore different Daylily plants: from Stella D’oro to Booby Ruby
With so many Daylily cultivars available, there is a variety to suit every garden need. Whether you prefer the classic look of Hemerocallis ‘Fulva’ or the dramatic flower forms of modern hybrids, growing Daylilies allows you to customise your garden’s height, texture and colour. At DutchGrown, you can discover beautiful varieties such as the following:

• Daylily ‘Stella D'oro’: With bright yellow, slightly curved petals and a compact height of 25–38 cm, this variety is an excellent choice for pots, containers, beds and borders.
• Daylily ‘Tropical Surprise’: This variety features a striking blend of apricot and purple tones, making it a wonderful addition to vibrant or tropical-style borders.
• Daylily ‘Booby Ruby’: With its bright red double blooms and yellow centres, this variety is sure to make a bold statement in your garden.

Why growing Daylilies is easy in well-drained soil: a step-by-step plan
To give your newly planted Daylilies the best possible start, timing and location are essential. Daylilies are best planted in early spring or early autumn, when temperatures are mild. Follow the steps below, or consult our growing guide ‘How to Grow Daylily (Hemerocallis)’ for more detailed advice.

1. Location: Choose a position that receives full sun or partial shade. Ensure to plant in well-drained soil to prevent waterlogged roots. Ideally, the soil should be rich and loamy.
2. Soil preparation: Remove weeds and debris, then incorporate organic matter to improve soil fertility and structure.
3. Soaking the roots: Before planting, soak the bare roots in water for about an hour. This helps rehydrate them and prepares the plants for successful establishment.
4. Positioning: Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots comfortably without crowding them. Position the crown just below the soil surface, then refill the hole with soil and gently firm it down as you go.
5. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help the soil settle around the roots. Keep the soil consistently moist while the plants are establishing.
6. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature.

How to care for Daylilies?
Once established, Daylilies are very easy to care for. To keep them looking their best, follow these simple steps:

1. Watering: During dry periods, water the Daylilies regularly, providing about 6-7 litres of water per week.
2. Fertiliser: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring, once new growth begins to appear.
3. Deadheading: Remove spent flower buds to encourage continued flowering and to prevent the plant from producing seeds.
4. Dividing: To maintain their vigour, divide the plants every three to four years in early spring or after flowering.

Buy premium quality Daylilies at DutchGrown
When you choose DutchGrown, you are investing in some of the highest-quality bare roots available. We focus on top-sized Daylily plants and cultivars carefully selected for their vigour and outstanding garden performance.

Our approach ensures that every plant you receive is ready to thrive and bring lasting beauty to your garden for years to come. Explore our extensive collection of Daylilies and pre-order the perfect varieties to brighten your summer garden. We deliver throughout the United Kingdom.

Frequently asked questions about Daylilies

Do Daylilies prefer sun or shade?
Daylilies grow best in full sun and require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to produce abundant flowers. While they thrive in bright conditions, they can also tolerate partial shade.

How long do Daylilies last?
Individual Daylily blooms typically last for only 24 hours, opening at dawn and fading by nightfall. However, because each flower stalk produces numerous buds that open at different times, a single plant will usually remain in bloom for three to five weeks. To extend the flowering season even further, choose extended-bloom varieties, bred to produce multiple waves of flowers throughout the summer.

Are Daylilies perennials?
Daylilies are hardy perennials that return to the garden year after year. At DutchGrown, we supply them as high-quality bare-root plants, valued for their resilience and ease of care.

What is special about Daylilies?
Daylilies are prized for their remarkable resilience, strong visual impact, and low-maintenance habit. Unlike more delicate perennials, they thrive in a wide range of soils and tolerate full sun or partial shade. Their unique growth habit produces a continuous succession of vibrant blooms, earning them the nickname ‘the perfect perennial’.