Daylily Hemerocallis 'Burning Daylight'
ABOUT
The 'Burning Daylight' daylily presents a striking appearance with its vibrant flowers that capture the essence of a bright, sunny day. The blooms are characterized by their rich, orange tones that may range from a bold, fiery hue to a warm, golden-orange shade, depending on the light. Each flower consists of six petals that exhibit a slightly ruffled edge, adding to the overall texture and visual interest of the blooms. The petals may also show subtle variations in color, with the possibility of a lighter throat or darker veining that draw in the eye and highlight the intricate patterns of nature's design. The daylily's flowers are borne on long, slender stalks that rise gracefully from a lush clump of strap-like foliage. The leaves are vibrant green, arching elegantly, and provide a verdant backdrop that further accentuates the brilliance of the 'Burning Daylight' blooms. Together, the foliage and flowers create an eye-catching display that brings life and color to the garden. As a perennial, this daylily variety can be a regular performer in the landscape, reappearing with renewed vigor year after year. Its flowers are typically larger in size and are known for their ability to make a statement in the garden, whether planted in groups for a mass effect or as individual specimens. They attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding an extra layer of dynamism to the plant's presence. While daylilies in general are celebrated for their hardiness and low maintenance qualities, 'Burning Daylight' stands out with its sun-kissed blooms that seem to radiate warmth and vitality, adding a touch of summer's exuberance wherever they are grown.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Daylily, Common Daylily
Common names
Hemerocallis 'Burning Daylight'.
ToxicityTo humans
Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.), including the cultivar 'Burning Daylight', are not considered toxic to humans. In fact, some parts of daylilies are edible and are consumed in certain cultures. However, it's crucial to not confuse daylilies with other lily species that can be highly toxic. Always positively identify a plant before considering consumption, and be aware of individual allergies that might cause adverse reactions.
To pets
Daylilies are highly toxic to cats, and ingestion can lead to severe symptoms. Even small amounts can cause kidney failure and other serious health issues in felines. Symptoms of daylily poisoning in pets, particularly cats, include vomiting, lethargy, appetite loss, and increased urination followed by lack of urination in later stages. If a cat ingests any part of a daylily, it is imperative to seek immediate veterinary care. While daylilies are not as toxic to dogs, they may still suffer from mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume these plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
3 feet [0.91 meters]
Spread
2 feet [0.61 meters]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The bright flowers of the daylily 'Burning Daylight' are known to attract butterflies and bees to the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Daylilies are generally easy to care for and do not require much attention once established.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, daylilies are quite tolerant of drought, making them suitable for xeriscaping or areas with low water availability.
- Rapid Growth: Daylilies are fast growers and can fill in garden spaces relatively quickly.
- Long Blooming Period: Daylilies have a lengthy blooming period, with 'Burning Daylight' providing vibrant color for several weeks.
- Erosion Control: The root system of daylilies helps to prevent soil erosion, making them a practical choice for sloped areas.
- Versatility: Daylilies can be used in a variety of garden designs, including borders, flower beds, and as ground cover.
- Propagates Easily: Daylilies can be easily divided to create new plants, making them cost-effective for gardeners looking to expand their garden.
- Adaptable to Various Soils: Daylilies are adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, although they prefer well-draining soil.
- Color Variety: The 'Burning Daylight' cultivar adds a striking orange-gold hue to the garden palette.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible Decor: The blossoms of the daylily can be used to adorn cakes or desserts with a splash of color, and since they are edible, they provide an interesting taste and texture to the dish.
- Natural Dye: The petals of Daylilies can be boiled to extract a natural dye for fabrics or crafts, imparting a yellowish to reddish hue depending on the mordant used.
- Water Filtration: In ponds or water gardens, daylily roots can help in natural water filtration by trapping sediments and absorbing nutrients that might otherwise encourage algal blooms.
- Companion Planting: Daylilies can be planted among vegetables to help deter certain pests with their strong scent and tall foliage, which can act as a barrier.
- Floral Arrangements: The stems and flowers of daylilies make striking additions to floral arrangements, both fresh and dried, adding volume and a unique texture.
- Erosion Control: When planted on slopes or areas prone to erosion, the robust root system of daylilies helps to hold soil in place and prevent erosion.
- Culinary Experiments: Young daylily shoots and tubers can be harvested and cooked as a vegetable or pickled for a unique culinary experience.
- Photography Subject: The vibrant color and elegant form of daylilies make them excellent subjects for botanical photography, drawing interest due to their transient beauty.
- Teaching Tool: Daylilies can be used in classrooms or educational programs to teach about plant biology, perennial growth cycles, and pollination strategies.
- Live Fence: By planting daylilies densely along a property line, they can form a living fence that offers privacy and a splash of color when in bloom.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hemerocallis, commonly known as Daylily, is not traditionally associated with Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daylily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: The name Hemerocallis comes from the Greek words "hemera" (day) and "kallos" (beauty), referring to the fact that each flower typically lasts only a day. 'Burning Daylight' reflects the transient yet recurring beauty of these flowers, symbolizing endurance and the ability to face each new day with strength.
- Longevity: Despite the individual flowers' fleeting existence, daylilies are perennials that can live for many years. Their ability to survive and thrive mirrors the concept of longevity in life or in relationships.
- Renewal: Each day, 'Burning Daylight' blooms anew, which symbolizes renewal, hope, and the continuous cycle of life, inspiring a positive outlook for what each new day might bring.
- Passion: The vibrant color of 'Burning Daylight', often a fiery hue, is commonly associated with intense emotion and passion, making it a symbol for deep feelings or ardor in various aspects of life.
WaterThe daylily, commonly known as Hemerocallis 'Burning Daylight', should be watered thoroughly once a week, making sure the soil is damp to a depth of about 8 inches. During periods of drought or extreme heat, increase watering to twice per week. Each watering session for an established plant should involve about 1 gallon of water, ensuring that the water infiltrates the root zone rather than merely wetting the surface. New plantings may require watering every few days to help establish roots. Overhead watering is not recommended as it can promote foliar diseases; instead, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation near the base of the plant.
LightDaylilies, including Hemerocallis 'Burning Daylight', thrive best in full sunlight, requiring a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, they can tolerate partial shade, particularly in the hotter afternoon hours. The ideal location is an east-facing or south-facing spot that receives morning light and some filtered afternoon shade, which can help the flowers retain their vibrant color.
TemperatureDaylilies like Hemerocallis 'Burning Daylight' are quite adaptable, but they perform best in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. They can survive temperature extremes from just below freezing, around 30°F, to about 90°F, although flowering may be affected at these limits. Consistent temperatures within the ideal range promote vigorous growth and optimal blooming.
PruningPruning Hemerocallis 'Burning Daylight', commonly known as a daylily, is important for aesthetic and health reasons. Remove spent flowers daily to encourage new blooms and cut back the foliage to the ground in late fall after it dies back. Division of clumps should be done every 3 to 5 years to maintain plant vigor, ideally in early spring or late summer after flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaylilies (Hemerocallis 'Burning Daylight') thrive in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. A mix with equal parts loam, peat moss, and sand is ideal, providing nutrients and proper drainage.
RepottingDaylilies, such as 'Burning Daylight', typically do not need regular repotting as they are usually grown outdoors. Divide clumps every 3 to 5 years to maintain vigor.
Humidity & MistingDaylilies, including 'Burning Daylight,' are adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and do not require specific humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not recommended for indoor growth; needs full sun.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, ensure good drainage, enrich soil with compost.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe daylily 'Burning Daylight' starts its life cycle when the seeds germinate in moist soil conditions, typically in late spring or early summer. Once the seedlings emerge, they develop into clumps of strappy green leaves, establishing a strong root system. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative growth stage where foliage increases until the plant reaches full size. Come mid to late summer, ‘Burning Daylight’ produces large, vibrant orange flowers that last just one day each - hence the name "daylily". After the blooming period, the plant sets seed pods if pollination has occurred; these seeds can be collected for propagation or left to self-seed. In the fall, the daylily enters a period of dormancy where growth ceases and the plant conserves energy for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The Hemerocallis 'Burning Daylight', commonly known as the Daylily, is most effectively propagated through division, which is best done in the early spring or late fall. This technique involves carefully digging up the established clumps of the daylily and gently separating them into smaller clumps with at least a few leaves and a portion of the root system attached. Each division should be replanted immediately, ensuring that the crown is positioned about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) below the surface of the soil. Water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This method leverages the plant's natural growth habit and ensures genetic consistency, making it the most popular method of propagating Daylilies like 'Burning Daylight'.
