Common Names: Daylily, tawny lily, lemon lily
Botanical Name: Hemerocallis. Family: Liliaceae.

The botanical name comes from the Greek hemera (day) and kallos (beauty). Daylilies are so named because each bloom lasts only one day. Each stem produces a number of buds and flowering occurs over a long period. Daylilies are a superior garden plant because they withstand heat well, are pest free and will grow in almost any soil. However, remember that daylilies do not like wet feet. Daylily colors span the spectrum from near white to yellow, pink, orange, purple and red. As long as they receive enough sunlight, daylilies will grow in any well drained soil, but will respond with more blooms and divisions in rich soil with regular watering. One of our favorite varieties is:

STELLA de ORO: this variety has received a lot of attention in recent years. Given favorable conditions, it will bloom from May until frost. We have a large bed along the side of our nursery office, and have found regular watering is critical for reblooming. Stella de Oro is golden yellow, and grows twelve inches high. It is and excellent border or specimen plant.

Daylilies are wonderful planted enmasse, or equally at home in the cottage garden planted among other perennials.