Hemerocallis fulva – Common Daylily; Orange Daylily (6)

General Information: A naturalized plant common to moist areas and roadsides throughout North America. Numerous cultivars exist, but we offer the straight species. The orange-red, trumpet-shaped, 3-5″ long flowers appear from Early June to Late July. While not a true Lily, the plant is often described as such due to the superficial similarities of the flowers and the fact that each bloom only lasts one day. This plant is said to have many useful qualities, including as a food, medicine, and cordage material. Rugged, adaptable, and easily grown, Common Daylily is among the best plants where a low-maintenance ground cover is desired.

Edible Qualities: The tubers can be prepared like Potatoes and have a similar texture and flavor profile. The crunchy early-season leaf shoots are also edible and can be prepared in a manner similar to Asparagus. The edible flowers can be enjoyed raw or battered and fried. Take care to consider where these plants are being grown. If they have been planted near true Lilies, extreme caution should be used when harvesting them for food, as they may appear similar at various stages of growth, and true Lilies are toxic.

Cultivation Details: These plants spread easily by stoloniferous (running) tubers. Eating the plants is a great way to minimize their spread! The dried leaves of this plant make for an excellent winter mulch once they have withered in late fall. Common Daylily will thrive in most conditions and tends to spread in average garden conditions. Consider planting along borders, foundations, forest edges, in poorly-drained areas where unwanted puddles form, as an accent around phone poles, mailboxes, large shrubs, or small trees, or as a standalone specimen. A high-quality “edimental.”

Growing Requirements: Plant in full sun to shade. Plants in full sun flower the most prolifically. Tolerates most soil types and conditions. Uniquely tolerant of heavy clay and very sandy soils. Prefers moist soils but does not tolerate standing water. Suitable for mildly acidic, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils.