Lemon Lily Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as lemon daylily is a perennial with graceful arching leaves that are long and slender, creating a fountain-like clump of greenery. The foliage is a bright, fresh green color, and the leaves are strap-shaped, with a smooth texture. From this attractive base, tall stalks emerge, on which multiple buds develop. These stalks, known as scapes, bear the distinctive flowers of the lemon daylily. The flowers themselves are trumpet-shaped, with a flared, ruffled edge. Each bloom consists of six petals that are a soft lemon-yellow color, giving the plant its common name. The blooms are known for their gentle coloration, which appears to have a delicate, sunlit glow. The center of the flower, or throat, often showcases a slightly deeper yellow or light orange hue, adding depth and contrast to the blossom. This plant typically flowers in early to mid-summer, and the blooms are short-lived, often lasting just a day, hence the name 'daylily.' Despite the individual flowers' brief lifespan, the plant produces many buds that open over a period of several weeks, ensuring a long-lasting floral display. The overall appearance of the lemon daylily is one of casual elegance, with its soft yellow blooms providing a warm, cheerful presence in the landscape. It is commonly found adorning borders, gardens, and naturalized areas, where it adds a splash of light, pastel color.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asphodelaceae
Synonyms
Lemon Daylily, Yellow Daylily, Lemon Lily
Common names
Hemerocallis flava, Hemerocallis flava var. minor, Hemerocallis fulva var. angustifolia, Hemerocallis fulva var. fulva, Hemerocallis fulva var. rosea, Hemerocallis longituba.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus is the Yellow Daylily. The Yellow Daylily is not generally considered to be toxic to humans. In fact, certain parts of the plant have a history of being edible when properly prepared. However, as with any plant, individual sensitivities and allergic reactions can occur. Ingesting any part of a plant not typically recognized as food should be done with caution and it's advisable to consult with a health professional or a knowledgeable plant expert, particularly before consuming any part of ornamental plants.
To pets
The Yellow Daylily is recognized to be toxic to cats and can lead to kidney failure. The symptoms of poisoning in pets, specifically cats, may include vomiting, lethargy, kidney failure, or loss of appetite. Although it is less commonly reported in dogs, it's still advisable to prevent your pets from ingesting this plant. If you suspect your pet has ingested a Yellow Daylily, it is important to seek immediate veterinary attention.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Appeal: Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus, commonly known as the Lemon Lily, produces vibrant yellow flowers that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Resistance: The Lemon Lily is known for its ability to withstand periods of low water availability, making it suitable for drought-prone areas.
- Easy to Grow: It is a low-maintenance plant, often thriving with minimal care, which is ideal for novice gardeners and those with limited time.
- Pest Resistance: The Lemon Lily is relatively resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments and fostering a more organic garden environment.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem.
- Erosion Control: The root system of the Lemon Lily can help stabilize soil and control erosion on slopes and in garden beds.
- Adaptability: This plant can thrive in a range of soil types and pH levels, making it versatile for different garden settings.
- Perennial Growth: Being a perennial, it returns year after year, which can reduce the need for replanting and maintenance over time.
- Culinary Use: The blossoms of the Lemon Lily are edible and can be used as a decorative and flavorful addition to salads and other dishes (though this should be done with caution and knowledge to avoid ingesting harmful parts or contaminated plants).
- Cultural Significance: The Lemon Lily holds aesthetic and cultural importance in various traditions, where it is appreciated for its beauty and symbolism.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Some compounds found in Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus may have anti-inflammatory effects, potentially beneficial for reducing inflammation.
- Antispasmodic: The plant has been traditionally used to alleviate spasms or cramps.
- Sedative: There is some historical usage of this plant for its sedative properties, helping to calm nerves and aid in sleep.
- Analgesic: Compounds in the plant may have pain-relieving properties.
- Diuretic: The plant has been used to promote urine production, potentially aiding in the removal of excess fluids from the body.
- Febrifuge: Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus might have been used to reduce fever.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The fleshy roots of daylilies can be divided to propagate new plants, making them useful for gardeners looking to expand their beds without additional cost.
- Daylily flowers are edible and can be used as a colorful garnish in salads or as an ingredient in hot dishes, adding a mild, sweet flavor and a crunchy texture.
- The leaves of daylilies are sometimes used in compost as they break down rapidly, contributing to the nutrient content and structure of the compost.
- Daylily blooms can be dried and added to potpourri mixtures, contributing a light floral scent and colorful appearance to the mix.
- The sturdy foliage of daylilies can provide erosion control on slopes or areas prone to soil displacement.
- Daylily tubers, being thick and fleshy, can be roasted or boiled and eaten in a manner similar to potatoes, offering a starchy component to meals.
- During blooming, daylilies can serve as a temporary natural fence or border with their dense foliage and tall flowers.
- Daylilies can be used in wastewater treatment areas as they have the ability to take up excess nutrients and potentially improve water quality.
- The stems of daylilies can be used as natural weaving materials in basketry or other craft projects after drying and soaking.
- Daylily flowers can be crushed to produce a natural dye for fabrics or arts and crafts, providing a range of yellow and orange hues.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daylily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daylily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Daylily: Daylilies are generally symbolic of motherhood and nurturing due to their abundant and daily blooming pattern.
- Transience of Life: The individual flowers of a daylily, which typically last only for a day, symbolize the ephemeral nature of life.
- Renewal and New Opportunities: Since a new flower blooms each day, daylilies can represent renewal and the constant possibility of new opportunities.
- Forgetfulness and Loss: In the language of flowers, daylilies sometimes signify forgetting or losing memories, possibly due to the short-lived blooms.
- Beauty: The daylily's grace and vibrant colors can symbolize an appreciation for beauty and the aesthetic.
- Survival: As daylilies can thrive in a variety of conditions, they are often associated with the ability to survive through adversity.
WaterFor the daylily, it is best to water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time. This means if you're using a hose or can, you should aim for about 0.623 gallons per square foot every seven days. During periods of extreme heat or drought, watering may need to be increased to twice a week. It's crucial to avoid overwatering the daylily, as this can lead to root rot. Ensure the water penetrates the soil to reach the roots rather than just wetting the surface.
LightThe daylily thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best when it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. The ideal spot for a daylily is an area that gets morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, which helps protect the leaves from scorching.
TemperatureDaylilies are hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but they grow best when the temperature is between 60°F and 75°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about -20°F and maximum temperatures well into the 90s. However, extended periods of extreme cold or heat may stress the plant and affect flowering.
PruningPrune daylilies by removing spent flower stalks to encourage reblooming and maintain a tidy appearance. Additionally, remove any damaged or yellowing leaves throughout the growing season. The best time for pruning daylilies is immediately after they finish blooming, which is typically in late summer or early fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Daylily prefers well-draining soil with a mix of loam, sand, and compost to ensure adequate nutrition and moisture retention. The ideal soil pH for Daylilies should be between 6.0 and 6.5, slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingDaylily, commonly known as Lemon Lily, typically does not require frequent repotting and can thrive for several years in the same spot as long as the soil is fertile and well-drained.
Humidity & MistingDaylilies are versatile and do not require specific humidity levels; they can tolerate a wide range, making them well-suited for various garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow with bright indirect light and well-drained soil.
Outdoor
Plant in a sunny spot with well-draining soil and mulch.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleHemerocallis lilioasphodelus, commonly known as the lemon daylily, begins its life as a seed that germinates in moist soil, ideally in the spring or early summer. After germination, the seedling emerges, developing a tuft of long, slender leaves and a root system. As the lemon daylily matures, it enters the vegetative stage, during which it continues to expand its foliage and roots, storing energy for blooming. The reproductive stage follows, typically in the late spring or early summer, when the plant produces fragrant, yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers on tall stalks called scapes; each flower typically only lasts a single day. Once pollinated, the flowers develop into seed capsules, and as they dry, the capsules release seeds, starting the next generation. During the winter months, the daylily may die back to the ground, but its underground rhizome remains alive and ready to initiate new growth the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus, commonly known as the lemon daylily, is best propagated through division, a straightforward and popular method among gardeners. This process typically occurs in the late summer to early fall after the flowering has ceased or in the spring before the growth of new shoots. To propagate by division, the clumps of the lemon daylily should be carefully dug up and the clumps should be gently separated into smaller sections, each with a few fans of leaves and adequate root structure. The divisions are then replanted at the same soil depth they were growing previously, spaced approximately 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate space for growth. The newly planted divisions should be watered thoroughly to help establish the roots in their new location. This method is effective due to the plant's hardy nature and ability to quickly establish a robust root system, which leads to rapid growth and subsequent bloom.
