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Plant Profiles / Daylily
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Daylily
Hemerocallis hybrids · Daylily
A tough, clumping perennial with arching leaves and trumpet flowers in almost every colour. Each bloom lasts a day, but plants produce dozens over summer.
Full sun to part shadeLight
WeeklyWater
Very easyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun to part shade
ShadeFull sun
Six hours of sun for the most flowers.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
Drought tolerant once established; regular water improves flowering.
Humidity
Adaptable
LowHigh
Adaptable.
Temperature
-30–40°C (-22–104°F)
CoolWarm
Very adaptable.
Growth
Moderate, clumping
SlowFast
Grows 40–90 cm.
Soil
Adaptable
LeanRich
Most soils.
Fertiliser
Spring
RarelyOften
Balanced fertiliser in spring.
Pet safety
Toxic to cats
SafeToxic
All parts can cause kidney failure in cats. Safe for dogs.
About this plant
Daylilies come from East Asia and have been hybridised into thousands of varieties. They tolerate heat, drought and poor soil. Evergreen types suit warmer climates. Note that they are highly toxic to cats.
Best spots
Sunny borders, balcony pots, mass plantings and slopes.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Hemerocallis hybrids |
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Origin | East Asia |
| Plant type | Perennial |
| Mature size | 40–90 cm |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Foliage | Arching strap-like leaves |
| Flowers | Trumpet-shaped, many colours |
| Toxicity | Highly toxic to cats |
| Propagation | Division |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering
Divide
Fertilise
Tidy foliage
FloweringDivideFertiliseTidy foliage
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Few flowers | Too much shade or overcrowded clump. |
| Streaked leaves | Leaf streak fungus; remove affected leaves. |
| Aphids on buds | Hose off. |
| Brown leaf tips | Dry soil. |
| Rust spots | Improve airflow. |
Common questions
Are daylilies safe for cats?
No, they're extremely toxic to cats.
How often should I divide?
Every 3–4 years.
Do they come back?
Yes, every year.
Can they grow in pots?
Yes.
