Daylily Hemerocallis 'Arctic Snow'
ABOUT
The Hemerocallis 'Arctic Snow', commonly known as the Daylily 'Arctic Snow', boasts a captivating appearance that is admired by many garden enthusiasts. This plant features large, creamy white flowers with a subtle hint of yellow at the throat, giving them a striking contrast against the lush green foliage. The blooms are quite round and ruffled, adding a sense of elegance and texture to the visual appeal of the plant. Each flower consists of six petal-like segments that spread outwards, creating a trumpet-like form that is characteristic of Daylilies. The foliage comprises long, slender, arching leaves that provide a graceful backdrop to the blooms. The leaves are a vibrant green color, which perfectly complements the purity of the white flowers and accentuates their brightness. The Daylily 'Arctic Snow' has a clumping growth habit, forming neat mounds of foliage that can become a centerpiece in any garden setting. Its blooms are known to be long-lasting, with each individual flower typically lasting just one day, but the plant produces numerous buds that ensure a continuous display of beauty throughout its blooming period. Overall, the Daylily 'Arctic Snow' is a jewel in the garden with its stunning white blossoms and verdant green leaves, creating a display that is both soothing and visually striking.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Daylily, Common Daylily, Tawny Daylily, Tiger Daylily
Common names
Hemerocallis 'Arctic Snow'.
ToxicityTo humans
The daylily 'Arctic Snow' is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, some individuals may experience mild stomach upset if they consume this plant, though such cases are uncommon.
To pets
For pets, especially cats, the daylily 'Arctic Snow' is highly toxic. Ingesting any part of the plant can cause severe symptoms in cats, including vomiting, lethargy, kidney failure, and if left untreated, can lead to death. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial if a cat has consumed any part of a daylily.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet 24 inches (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet 24 inches (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Hemerocallis 'Arctic Snow' or daylily is a hardy perennial that is known for being low maintenance and easy to cultivate, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, daylilies have good drought tolerance, requiring less frequent watering compared to many other garden plants.
- Pest Resistant: Daylilies are generally resistant to pests, meaning they often grow healthily without the need for chemical pesticides.
- Adaptable: They can thrive in a variety of soil types and environmental conditions, from full sun to partial shade.
- Long Bloom Period: Daylilies produce flowers that can last a single day, but the plant has multiple buds that open over a long period, often several weeks, providing extended garden interest.
- Attractive Flowers: The 'Arctic Snow' has large, beautiful white blooms with a stunning contrast of golden throats, adding visual appeal to any garden.
- Versatile Garden Use: They are suitable for flower borders, mixed beds, and can be used for mass plantings or groundcover, offering flexibility in landscape design.
- Divisible: Daylilies can be easily divided to create more plants, which can be shared with friends or used to expand the garden without additional cost.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Daylily 'Arctic Snow' can be used in floral arrangements as a cut flower due to its large, showy blooms and ability to last several days in a vase.
- This plant is effective in erosion control on slopes because of its root system that holds the soil in place.
- Daylilies can be planted in septic drain fields where they assist in the absorption and filtration of effluent due to their deep roots.
- The dried flowers of Daylilies can be used in potpourri for their shape and sometimes for their fragrance.
- As edible plants, Daylily flowers are used in Asian cuisine, often stuffed or added to soups for their sweet flavor and crunchy texture.
- In artistic practices, Daylily flowers are sometimes used in pressed flower crafts due to their colorful and varied petal patterns.
- Daylily plants can be used as a living barrier or border to delineate spaces in a garden or landscape without the need for fencing.
- The strong structural foliage of Daylilies can be used in perennial gardens to provide texture contrast against other plants.
- Daylilies can be planted on unused rocky or poor soil areas to create a garden space, as they are hardy and can thrive in less than ideal conditions.
- In backyard ponds or water features, Daylilies can be planted along the margins to enhance the aesthetic appeal and provide habitat for wildlife.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daylily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daylily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Hemerocallis, commonly known as Daylily, symbolizes resilience because it can thrive in a variety of conditions and returns with vigor each year.
- Motherhood: The Daylily is often associated with motherhood due to its nurturing ability to rebloom every day, representing the daily care and love a mother provides.
- Forgiveness: With each new bloom, the Daylily suggests a fresh start or forgiveness, as it brings a new opportunity with every sunrise.
- Longevity: Given the perennial nature of the Daylily, it also represents longevity and the idea of a life well-lived.
- Beauty: The 'Arctic Snow' variety, with its pristine white blooms, highlights the aspect of untouched beauty and pureness often linked with the Daylily.
- Transition: As each flower only lasts for one day, Daylilies can symbolize the transient nature of life, encouraging us to cherish each moment.
WaterDaylilies, including the variety 'Arctic Snow', should be watered regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during their growth period in spring and early summer. Typically, they require about 1 inch of water per week, which translates to approximately 0.6 gallons for a small garden area of about 10 square feet. During hot, dry spells, increase the frequency to twice a week, ensuring the root zone is thoroughly saturated. For potted 'Arctic Snow' daylilies, water when the top inch of soil feels dry, providing enough water until it runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
LightDaylilies, such as 'Arctic Snow', thrive in full sun and can tolerate partial shade. The ideal spot would provide at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day to ensure vigorous growth and optimal blooming. If grown in too much shade, the plant may produce fewer flowers and have a less robust form.
Temperature'Arctic Snow' daylilies are adaptable to a range of temperatures but grow best in conditions between 60°F and 75°F. They can tolerate temperatures down to about 20°F and can survive short periods of colder weather. However, temperatures above 90°F may cause the plant to go dormant or stress the foliage and flowers.
Pruning'Arctic Snow' daylilies should be deadheaded regularly to remove spent flowers and promote further blooming throughout the season. After flowering, trim back the flower stalks to the base of the plant. In late fall or early spring, prune any dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and appearance. The best time to perform a thorough clean-up is early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaylilies prefer well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A good mix would consist of loamy garden soil, compost or aged manure, and a bit of sand to improve drainage. Regular fertilization can help promote vigorous growth and flowering.
RepottingDaylilies, including the 'Arctic Snow', do not require frequent repotting and are typically planted in the ground. However, if grown in containers, they can be repotted every 3 to 4 years or when the container is overcrowded.
Humidity & MistingDaylilies are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do well in the average outdoor humidity. They do not require any special humidity considerations when planted in the garden.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright indirect light, in a well-draining soil mix.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, enrich soil with compost.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Daylily 'Arctic Snow' begins with germination, as a seed planted in well-draining soil sprouts in response to warmth and moisture. The seedling emerges above the soil and grows into a juvenile plant, developing strap-like foliage and establishing a root system. As the plant matures into adulthood, it forms a clump of foliage and sends up scapes, which bear numerous buds that bloom into the distinctive white flowers with a yellow throat. After the flowering stage, which can last several weeks, the blooms wither, and the plant may set seed if pollination has occurred. During the autumn, the foliage begins to die back as the plant enters dormancy to conserve energy through the winter. In the following spring, the Daylily 'Arctic Snow' will resume growth from its perennial rootstock, starting the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer to Early Fall
The daylily, known scientifically as Hemerocallis 'Arctic Snow', is best propagated by division, which is most successfully done after flowering has finished, primarily in the late summer or early fall. To propagate by division, you should carefully dig up the clump of daylilies, making sure to minimize damage to the roots. Once the clump is out of the ground, you can wash or shake off the excess soil to better see the individual fans. Using a sharp knife or spade, divide the clump by cutting between the fans, ensuring that each division has at least two or three fans and a good portion of the roots attached. These divisions can then be replanted immediately at the same depth they were growing before, spaced about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This method is highly effective for increasing your stock of daylilies and ensuring the health and vitality of your plants.
