Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus
Common name: Yellow daylily · Lemon daylily · Lemon lily
Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus is a herbaceous perennial in the family Amaryllidaceae, native to northeastern Asia, including Siberia, Mongolia, China, and Korea. It forms clumps of narrow, arching leaves and sends up scapes of fragrant, clear-yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers in late spring, earlier than most other daylilies. It is one of the oldest daylilies in cultivation and, with H. fulva, a principal ancestor of modern daylily hybrids.
Care summary
Sun
Full sun to light shade
Water
Moderate; tolerates some drought
Soil
Fertile, well-drained; adaptable
Hardiness
Zones 3–9
Mature height
About 60–100 cm (2–3 ft)
Pet safe
No — toxic to cats
Difficulty
Easy
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring or early autumn. Lift the clump, separate it into divisions with healthy roots and leaf fans, and replant immediately at the same depth, keeping them watered until established. Seed is possible but slow and seedlings may vary.
Fun facts
- Its flowers are notably fragrant, unlike those of the common orange daylily.
- It is one of the earliest daylilies to bloom each season, often starting in late spring.
- The flowers are edible and have been used in Chinese cooking for centuries.
- It was one of the first daylily species brought to Europe, in cultivation there since the 16th century.