The daylily history starts in Asia. There are thousand year old Chinese paintings that depict orange daylilies that look very similar to the ones we see in our gardens. The ones in Europe and North America were pretty basic until China was opened to the West after the Second Opium War ended in 1860. Then all sorts of daylily varieties were brought to the United States and Europe. Today there are thousands of varieties. In the 20th century, American breeders embraced daylilies and created hundreds of additional combinations and colors.
These perennials thrive from Zones 3 to 9. Daylilies need at least six hours or sunlight a day. The lighter the color of the blossom, the better the flower tolerates the sun. The darker flowers prefer less sun since the dark colors absorb the heat which hastens their already short life span.
It’s almost magical the way the short lived flower is replaced by one nearby. The flowering stalk continues producing new flowers for up to three weeks. Each plant has many flowering stalks, and one plant may continue flowering for several weeks or months.
They aren’t good candidates for cut flowers since their stems and their lives are so short. You won’t see them in bridal bouquets for that very reason. Maybe this is all part of the daylily’s plan to stay in their beloved garden home and not be picked by pesky gardeners. Along with being hardy and gorgeous, they are pretty darn smart.
These perennials thrive from Zones 3 to 9. Daylilies need at least six hours or sunlight a day. The lighter the color of the blossom, the better the flower tolerates the sun. The darker flowers prefer less sun since the dark colors absorb the heat which hastens their already short life span.
It’s almost magical the way the short lived flower is replaced by one nearby. The flowering stalk continues producing new flowers for up to three weeks. Each plant has many flowering stalks, and one plant may continue flowering for several weeks or months.
They aren’t good candidates for cut flowers since their stems and their lives are so short. You won’t see them in bridal bouquets for that very reason. Maybe this is all part of the daylily’s plan to stay in their beloved garden home and not be picked by pesky gardeners. Along with being hardy and gorgeous, they are pretty darn smart.
Daylilies from the gardens of Anne Langsdorf and Janie Clark