Lemon Daylily (Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus)

Lemon Daylily

Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus

Lemon-yellow blooms glow like summer sunshine. Herbaceous perennial; common name: Lemon Daylily.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; produces the most blooms with at least 6 hours of direct daily sunlight
💧
Watering Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil feels dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
🌡️
Temperature Extremely cold-hardy to -30°C; tolerates summer heat up to 35°C; enters dormancy during freezing winters
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Linear, strap-like semi-evergreen leaves in dense basal clumps
  • Flower: Fragrant trumpet-shaped lemon-yellow blooms, each lasting only one day
  • Stem: Erect, leafless scapes bearing clusters of 6–12 individual flowers
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist during active growth and flowering

Fertilization

Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer at emergence. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote foliage over blooms

Eggshell powder top-dressing:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tbsp around the base of plants; avoid direct contact with foliage to prevent burning
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms promptly to encourage extended flowering
  • Cut back foliage to 10 cm above soil level after the first autumn frost
  • Divide overcrowded clumps every 3–4 years in early spring to maintain vigor
  • Remove yellow or damaged foliage throughout the growing season to improve airflow
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Highly toxic; ingestion can cause acute kidney failure within 36–72 hours

Humans: Ingestion of large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset; cooked shoots are safe for consumption

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Symbolizes fleeting beauty due to its one-day bloom period, and devotion in floral traditions

Usage: Ornamental garden plant; young shoots and buds are edible when thoroughly cooked to neutralize mild toxins