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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.

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.

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.

Make your own Yellow daylily · Lemon daylily · Lemon lily profile

Common problems

    • Remove and destroy infected leaves
    • Buy rust-resistant cultivars
    • Avoid overhead watering in the evening
    • Check buds for aphids in spring
    • Spray pests off with water
    • Remove affected foliage promptly
    • Divide clumps every three to five years
    • Replant divisions in enriched soil
    • Ensure at least six hours of sun
    • Hand-pick slugs after dusk
    • Use wildlife-safe slug control
    • Clear hiding places near crowns