About
Hemerocallis citrina, the long yellow daylily, is a clump-forming, bushy herbaceous perennial with strap-like leaves to 80 cm long. In midsummer, nocturnal, sweetly fragrant, star-shaped, lemon-yellow flowers with brown-tipped sepals are produced freely. Outstanding for its fragrance and evening performance.
About the genus
Hemerocallis, the daylilies, are evergreen or herbaceous perennials with narrow, strap-shaped leaves and funnel-shaped flowers on branched scapes in late spring and summer. Each flower lasts only a single day, but is replaced by a succession of new blooms. Among the most versatile and rewarding of all border perennials.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
FragranceFlower
ToxicityTOXIC to pets (cats) - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, well aerated soil in full sun. Water freely from spring to summer. Divide every 2-3 years to maintain vigour. See Hemerocallis cultivation for more advice
PruningCut back flower stems after flowering has finished. Remove dead foliage as required.
PropagationPropagate by division in early spring or autumn, at least six weeks before the first frost. Propagate from seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to hemerocallis gall midge, aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and thrips. Slugs and snails may damage young leaves.
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to rust. In climates with alternating winter frosts and thaws, bacterial leaf and stem rot (spring sickness) may be a problem; in areas with high temperatures and high humidity, crown rot may cause damage.