Daylily plant photo (Hemerocallis spp.)
Photo: Oleg Kosterin · CC BY 4.0
perennial
Updated May 2026·Eastern Asia

Daylily

Hemerocallis spp.

Over 90,000 registered cultivars make daylily the most-hybridized perennial in the world — and every part of the plant is edible (long a staple in Chinese cuisine).

USDA Zones
3-9
Sun
full sun
Water
moderate
Mature Size
1-4 ft tall and wide
Growth Rate
fast
Family
Asphodelaceae
Care guide

How to care for daylily

Each bloom lasts exactly one day (hence the name) — deadhead spent flowers daily for a tidy appearance. Divide every 3-5 years in early spring when clumps decline in flower production.

Garden uses & design ideas

Best garden use

Place it in repeatable drifts through borders so the color and texture carry the eye instead of appearing as a one-off plant.

Pair it with

Echinacea, Black-eyed susan, Russian sage make easy companion choices because they share similar light, water, or visual texture needs.

Layout tip

Match it with full sun exposure, place it in a moderate-water bed where soil can stay evenly damp but not soggy, and check USDA zones 3-9 before planting. Use the garden planner to test spacing around its mature size: 1-4 ft tall and wide.

Gardener note — Double-check local invasive, edible, and toxicity guidance with your county extension office before planting around pets, children, or natural areas.

Companion plants

Daylily grows well alongside these — similar light, water, and texture needs.

Common pests & problems

daylily rustaphidsthrips

Where it grows best

Native to Eastern Asia; thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-9.

Frequently asked about daylily

What USDA zones does Daylily grow in?+

Daylily is hardy in USDA zones 3-9. Outside these zones, it can usually be grown indoors or as a seasonal annual.

How much sun does Daylily need?+

Daylily prefers full sun. Place it where it gets that light most of the day for best growth and flowering.

How often should I water Daylily?+

Daylily has moderate water needs. Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Each bloom lasts exactly one day (hence the name) — deadhead spent flowers daily for a tidy appearance. Divide every 3-5 years in early spring when clumps decline in flower production.

How big does Daylily get?+

Daylily reaches a mature size of 1-4 ft tall and wide. Growth rate is fast, so plan spacing accordingly when planting.

What plants grow well with Daylily?+

Daylily pairs well with Echinacea, Black-eyed susan, Russian sage, Coreopsis, Salvia. These companions share similar care requirements and don't compete aggressively for resources.

What pests affect Daylily?+

Common Daylily problems include daylily rust; aphids; thrips. Catching early signs in routine inspection prevents most damage.

When does Daylily bloom?+

Daylily blooms in summer in every color except blue. Deadheading spent flowers (where applicable) often encourages a longer bloom window.

✦ Free 3D garden designer

Design a garden with daylily in minutes

Drag plants into a 3D space, walk through it, or upload a photo and let AI redesign it. Test spacing around its mature size before you plant.

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