About
Hemerocallis dumortieri, the copper lily, is a compact, clump-forming daylily to 60 cm with narrow, erect leaves and fragrant, deep-orange flowers to 10 cm across emerging from red-orange buds in summer. A neat, richly coloured and scented species for the front of a sunny border.
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, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Prairie planting, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native toFar East
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, moist but well-drained soil preferably in full sun. Flowering is likely to be poor in shadier situations. Tolerant of heavy clay and poorer soils. May need watering in spring to early summer in dry conditions to ensure flowering. See Hemerocallis cultivation for details
PruningCut back flower stems after flowering has finished. Remove dead foliage as required
PropagationPropagate by division in early spring or early autumn. Propagate from seed (indoors or outdoors) in autumn or spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails, Hemerocallis gall midge, glasshouse red spider mite and thrips
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free, but may be susceptible to fungal leaf spot and rust diseases or bacterial leaf and stem rot