Orange Daylily Hemerocallis fulva 'Flore Pleno' (d)
ABOUT
Hemerocallis fulva 'Flore Pleno', commonly known as the double daylily, is a perennial plant that displays unique and striking blooms. The flowers are distinctive with multiple layers of petals, giving them a full, fluffy appearance that sets them apart from the single-layered petals of a typical daylily. Each flower is a vibrant orange color, with a slightly darker orange or reddish hue toward the petal's center, which may radiate outward to the petal edges—a feature that adds depth to the flower's look. The petals of the double daylily have ruffled edges that contribute to their lush, ornamental quality. The blossoms emerge from strong, green stalks that are part of a clump of arching, blade-like leaves. The foliage is a rich, deep green color and adds to the plant's overall lushness. The leaves may also serve as an elegant backdrop to the floral display, enhancing the overall visual impact of the plant. This particular daylily variant blooms in the summer, producing many buds that open over a span of several weeks. Each individual flower lasts only for a single day, true to the name "daylily," but due to the number of buds produced, the blooming period is extended. As the plant matures, it forms a dense cluster that can be quite expansive, which makes it an attractive and robust selection for gardens or as borders. The double daylily can thrive in a variety of conditions and is known for its hardiness and ease of care, making it a popular choice among gardeners who wish to add a touch of drama and color to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Orange Daylily, Tawny Daylily, Tiger Daylily, Double Daylily, Double Tawny Daylily, Kwanso Daylily.
Common names
Hemerocallis fulva var. plena, Hemerocallis fulva var. kwanso, Hemerocallis kwanso, Hemerocallis fulva 'Kwanso', Hemerocallis fulva var. flore-pleno.
ToxicityTo humans
Daylilies are not generally considered toxic to humans, and in fact, some cultures eat the flowers, buds, and tubers as food. However, individuals with certain sensitivities may experience mild stomach upset if they ingest parts of the plant not typically consumed. As with any plant, it's important to be cautious and knowledgeable about the specific parts that are edible to avoid any potential gastrointestinal discomfort.
To pets
Daylilies are known to be toxic to cats and can cause severe kidney damage if ingested by them. Symptoms of daylily poisoning in cats include vomiting, lethargy, and lack of appetite, which can progress to kidney failure if not treated promptly. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if a cat ingests any part of a daylily plant. Dogs are not as sensitive to daylilies, but ingestion can still cause mild gastrointestinal upset. It's always best to prevent pets from ingesting any part of the daylilies to avoid these risks.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Hemerocallis fulva 'Flore Pleno', commonly known as the Double Daylily, is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this plant has a good tolerance for drought conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Erosion Control: The daylily's extensive root system helps to hold soil in place, which is beneficial for erosion control on slopes and banks.
- Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant flowers of the double daylily attract various pollinators such as bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Enhances Landscapes: With its bright, double flowers, this daylily variety adds a splash of color and aesthetic appeal to garden beds and borders.
- Diverse Planting Options: It can be planted en masse, in perennial borders, or even in containers, providing versatile landscaping opportunities.
- Propagation: Daylilies can be easily propagated by dividing their clumps, making it simple to expand your garden or share with others.
- Long Blooming Season: The plant tends to have a long flowering period which allows gardeners to enjoy blooms throughout much of the summer.
- Tolerates Various Soils: Double daylilies are adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, except for very wet or waterlogged soils.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: The plant has been used in traditional medicine to reduce inflammation.
- Diuretic: It is said to possess mild diuretic properties, increasing urine flow and potentially aiding with conditions like urinary tract infections.
- Laxative: Some traditional uses include functioning as a laxative to relieve constipation.
- Sedative: There are claims that the plant might have sedative effects, helping in the management of sleep disorders or anxiety.
- Cooling agent: In some cultures, Hemerocallis fulva has been used to cool down the body during fevers or heat-related conditions.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The roots of the daylily can be used in erosion control due to their extensive root system which helps stabilize soil.
- Daylily flowers are popular as a natural dye source for fabrics, providing a range of yellow, orange, and green hues depending on mordants used.
- The spent blossoms of daylilies can be composted to enrich garden soil with essential nutrients as they break down.
- Daylily plants are often planted in waste areas or spots that are difficult to cultivate as they are hardy and can thrive with minimal care.
- This plant can be used as a food source for livestock, especially rabbits, which can eat the leaves without harm.
- Daylily can be an important food forage for deer and other wildlife species which may help in forest regeneration by diverting their attention from newly planted trees.
- The fibrous leaves of the daylily can be used to create natural twine or cordage in survival situations or traditional crafts.
- Gardeners may plant daylilies near vegetable gardens as a decoy plant to attract pests away from more sensitive crops.
- Daylily flowers, being edible, are sometimes used in ice cubes or infused in waters and beverages for decorative purposes.
- The sturdy foliage of the plant offers a mini-habitat for beneficial garden insects like spiders which help control pest populations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe daylily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe daylily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity and Permanence: The name "Hemerocallis" comes from the Greek words for "day" (hemera) and "beauty" (kallos), referencing the individual flowers which typically last for just a day. Despite this, the plant is perennial and re-blooms each season, symbolizing enduring life and renewal.
- Survival and Resilience: Daylilies are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive under various conditions, embodying the spirit of adaptability and the perseverance to overcome challenges.
- Motherhood and Fertility: In some cultures, daylilies are associated with motherhood due to their abundant and multiple blooms, representing fertility and the creation of new life.
- Forgetfulness and Loss: In the language of flowers, daylilies can sometimes symbolize a loss or fleeting nature of affection, possibly because the flowers bloom for just a day, which may be interpreted as a metaphor for transient or forgotten memories.
- Beauty, Grace, and Transience: Daylilies are also symbolic of beauty and grace with the ephemeral nature of their blossoms serving as a reminder of the transient beauty in the world and the importance of living in the present.
WaterDaylilies should be watered deeply about once a week, allowing the soil to dry between watering sessions. Regular watering during their active growing season, which is spring through fall, is essential for establishing plants and ensuring vigorous blooming. An approximate guideline is 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering. For a standard garden, watering with 0.623 gallons per square foot every week will satisfy their needs. However, during periods of extreme heat or drought, increase watering frequency to prevent stress.
LightDaylilies thrive in full sun conditions where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot is an area with bright morning light and some protection from the intense afternoon sun, particularly in hotter climates. If grown in too much shade, the blooming might be reduced and stems can become leggy as they reach for the light.
TemperatureDaylilies prefer temperatures between 60°F and 90°F for optimal growth. They are hardy and can survive minimum temperatures as low as -20°F once established. While they can handle heat well, prolonged exposure to temperatures exceeding 90°F may cause stress and affect blooming. They are adaptable to various conditions but perform best when the temperature range is maintained within their comfort zone.
PruningPruning daylilies involves removing spent flower stalks after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent seed production, which can reduce the next year's blooms. Prune out any damaged or yellow leaves throughout the growing season to encourage healthy growth. The best time for a major clean-up, including removing old foliage, is early spring or immediately after flowering has finished.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDouble Daylily (Tawny Daylily) thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and a bit of sand for drainage creates an ideal environment for this plant.
RepottingDouble Daylily typically doesn't require frequent repotting. It should be divided and repotted only when the clump becomes overcrowded, which is generally every 3 to 4 years.
Humidity & MistingDouble Daylily is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any specific humidity conditions for growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place near a sunny window, water moderately.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to part shade, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleHemerocallis fulva 'Flore Pleno', commonly known as the double orange daylily, begins its life cycle as a seed, which after germination, develops into a small seedling with basic root and shoot structures. As the plant matures, it develops long, strap-like leaves and a strong root system, typically forming a clump. Each season, it produces tall scapes that bear the distinctive double orange blooms, which are each open for just one day before withering. After flowering, if pollination occurs, seed pods may form and eventually release seeds, continuing the reproductive cycle. During winter or unfavorable conditions, the plant enters a period of dormancy, with the foliage dying back, and then resumes growth once conditions become favorable again. The daylily has a perennial lifecycle, which allows it to bloom every year for several years, and it can also be propagated by dividing the clumps of its rhizomatous root system.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to early fall
The most popular way to propagate the daylily, particularly Hemerocallis fulva 'Flore Pleno', is by division. This is typically done in late summer to early fall, after the plant has finished blooming. Gardeners should gently lift the clump of the daylily from the ground using a spade or fork, taking care not to damage the roots excessively. Once out of the ground, the clumps can be separated by hand or cut with a sharp knife into smaller sections, each with a few fans of leaves and a portion of the root system. These divisions should then be replanted promptly at the same depth they were growing before and watered well. This method is effective because it helps maintain the vigor of the plant and ensures that the new plants will be true to the parent’s characteristics.
