Why Do We Love the Daylily?
Dazzling and Diverse
More than 4,000 years ago, Chinese oral tradition recorded the use of what we now classify as the genus Hemerocallis for both medicinal purposes and as a food source, with its buds and roots being particularly valued. Around 2,000 years ago, Confucius immortalized the plant in poetry, further cementing its cultural significance. Primarily esteemed for its healing properties, Hemerocallis remained largely medicinal until it was introduced to Europe in the 1500s.
Today, Hemerocallis is admired worldwide, primarily for its ornamental beauty and culinary versatility.
The Perfect Bloom for Every Gardener
New Garden Palette Each Day
Yes, each bloom lasts just one day—Hemerocallis means “beauty” and “day” in Greek. Established clumps flower for weeks, with some reblooming. Deadheading keeps plants tidy and helps new blooms open freely.
All Colors of the Rainbow
Since the 1930s, hybridizers have expanded daylily colors beyond yellow, orange, and red to include pastels, deep hues, near-blue, and striking multi-colored patterns.
Diversity in Size, Color & Form
Daylilies vary in bloom size, height, and timing, flowering from May to October in some zones. With blooms up to 15″ wide and heights over 60″, a trio of diverse daylilies creates vibrant, season-long color.
Easy to Obtain, Grow & Propagate
Reliable daylily sources fit any budget through the American Daylily Society and local clubs. These hardy perennials thrive in most soils without fertilizer or pest control, multiplying yearly without spreading invasively.
Looking for Daylilies?
Your membership with the American Daylily Society supports education, cultivar registration, and awards while providing a quarterly journal and a $25 voucher for new members.
Display Gardens
There are over 300 official display gardens throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe where you can view a variety of modern daylilies in a beautiful garden setting. These carefully curated spaces showcase an extensive range of colors, shapes, and sizes, highlighting the incredible diversity achieved through hybridization.
Visitors can explore the latest advancements in daylily breeding, gaining inspiration for their own gardens while appreciating the unique characteristics of each cultivar.
Recognizing Excellence
Our society recognizes over 40 different awards categories for the daylily and the people who love them. Awards range from photography, flower shows, media, mentoring, grants, and especially awards for the greatest daylilies and daylily people around. Garden Judges and members can also vote online and nominate worthy candidates and plants to our awards system.
Your Daylily Questions, Answered
Our FAQ page is helpful for answering common questions about daylily care, cultivation, and more. It’s a great resource for both beginners and experienced gardeners!
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