Hemerocallis is a genus from eastern Asia and central Europe in the Hemerocallidaceae family. This genus is optionally included in Xanthorrhoeaceae by APG II. This genus is known by the common name of day lilies since flowers only last one to several days. Most species have fibrous roots; a few are tuberous. Leaves are grasslike and basal. This genus has been hybridized extensively and there are thousands of cultivars.
Hemerocallis citrina var. vespertina, syn. Hemerocallis vespertina, is an Asian species. Buds used as food in China. Three to four feet high. Flowers open one day and remain open overnight until the next day. Fragrant. Photo by Mari Kitama taken in August 2009 near the Haruna mountain (1000m altitude).
Hemerocallis dumortieri var. esculenta Dumortier’s, or early daylily, is from Japan, Korea, Manchuria and eastern Siberia. Early blooming, highly fragrant. Photos by Mari Kitama taken in July 2009 at the Oze national park (1400m).
Hemerocallis fulva orange, tawny, or ditch lily is native to Eurasia, from the Causcaus east to China, Korea, Japan and southeast Russia. The first two photographs below are of the double variety kwanso and variety longituba and were taken by Mari Kitama in July 2004 in Japan. The last photograph is of variety kwanso and was taken in Texas by Justin Smith.
Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus commonly called the 'lemon lily', syn. Hemerocallis flava. RHS award of garden merit. Originally found across Europe and China. Photos by Judy Glattstein.
Hemerocallis middendorffii, syn. Hemerocallis middendorfii, Amur daylily, is cultivated for its edible flowers in Asia. It is from the Russian Far East, northwest China, Korea and Japan. It is hardy, WHZ 4-9. Photos Janos Agoston.
Hemerocallis minor photographed in early May in the Montgomery County, Maryland, USA, zone 7 garden of Jim McKenney. It comes as a surprise to many that this elegant, early, fragrant, tiny daylily has been in European gardens since the middle of the eighteenth century. The leaning scapes and low bud count are typical - and may explain its apparent lack of popularity. It is easily grown, sets seed readily and comes true from seed. The flowers have been described as "bell shaped", and they do indeed have a fetching line. The color is a clear, singing yellow without a trace of the tawny family curse.
Hemerocallis 'Stella de Oro’ is perhaps the most popular daylily cultivar. It is a smallish plant (around a foot high and spread) and hence suitable for modest size gardens. Unlike some daylilies flowering takes place over a long period. First two photos by David Pilling and the last one by Janos Agoston.
