Hemerocallis exaltata (Daylily) — Clump-forming, arching foliage with upright scapes

Overview

Hemerocallis exaltata is a clump-forming, arching foliage with upright scapes perennial in the genus Hemerocallis, part of the Asphodelaceae family, with deciduous or semi-evergreen; arching, strap-shaped, fresh green foliage. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Hemerocallis exaltata grows best in full sun to partial shade; darker colours hold better out of hot sun, and tolerates almost any reasonable soil and from loam to clay soils and acid and neutral or alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6-H7. Suggested uses include borders, mass plantings, ground cover, erosion control and and low-maintenance gardens.. It is native to China, Korea and Japan.

About

Hemerocallis exaltata is a clump-forming perennial with arching, strap-shaped leaves and upright flowering scapes. It typically reaches about 1.0 m and flowers from June to August. The foliage can be deciduous or semi-evergreen and the plant suits a wide range of soil types. Darker flower colours hold better if grown out of the hottest sun.

About the genus

A daylily, day lily or ditch-lily is a flowering plant in the genus Hemerocallis, a member of the family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Hemerocallidoideae, native to Asia. Despite the common name, it is not taxonomically classified in the lily genus. Gardening enthusiasts and horticulturists have long bred Hemerocallis species for their attractive flowers; a select few species of the genus have edible petals, while some are extremely toxic.

Wikipedia contributors, "Daylily", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Daylily

In the garden

Hemerocallis exaltata originates from China, Korea and Japan and belongs to the Asphodelaceae family. It forms basal clumps of long, strap-like leaves with erect scapes that carry the summer display; the plants are reliably hardy in most of the UK, rated from very hardy to fully hardy. Plant it in full sun to partial shade, choosing some shelter from Australia-style baking sun if you are growing darker-flowered forms. It tolerates almost any reasonable soil from loam to clay and will grow in acid, neutral or alkaline conditions; aim for moist but well-drained soil, though established clumps will manage both damp and drier patches. Aspect and exposure are not critical — it will perform in exposed sites as well as sheltered ones. Use daylilies in mixed borders, large drifts or as low-level ground cover and for erosion control where a clump-forming perennial is wanted. At roughly 1.0 m tall the flowering scapes rise above the arching leaves, so plant Hemerocallis exaltata where that upright summer silhouette is helpful in the border.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Hemerocallis

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade; darker colours hold better out of hot sun
Soil type: Almost any reasonable soil, from loam to clay
Soil pH: Acid, neutral or alkaline
Soil moisture: Moist but well drained; tolerates both damp and dry once established
Aspect: Any
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
UK hardiness: H6-H7

Plant details

Hemerocallis exaltata size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, arching foliage with upright scapes
Foliage: Deciduous or semi-evergreen; arching, strap-shaped, fresh green
Height: 1.0 m
Suggested uses: Borders, mass plantings, ground cover, erosion control, and low-maintenance gardens.
Native to: China, Korea, Japan

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hemerocallis exaltata

Cultivation: Among the most forgiving of perennials, and effectively unkillable once settled. They flower most freely in an open position with reasonable moisture while the buds are forming, and benefit from division every four or five years, since a congested clump produces plenty of leaf and progressively fewer scapes.
Pruning: Snap off spent blooms to keep the display clean, and cut scapes to the base once all buds have finished. Remove dead foliage in late autumn or early spring.
Propagation: Divide in early spring or immediately after flowering, splitting the crown into fans each with roots attached. Proliferations that form on the scapes of some cultivars can be rooted as cuttings.
Pest resistance: Slugs and snails graze new spring growth, and hemerocallis gall midge distorts buds in early summer - affected buds are best picked off and destroyed.
Disease resistance: Robust. Daylily rust is the main disease of note but remains uncommon in the UK.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Hemerocallis exaltata?

Among the most forgiving of perennials, and effectively unkillable once settled. They flower most freely in an open position with reasonable moisture while the buds are forming, and benefit from division every four or five years, since a congested clump produces plenty of leaf and progressively fewer scapes.

Where is the best place to plant Hemerocallis exaltata?

Hemerocallis exaltata prefers full sun to partial shade; darker colours hold better out of hot sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Hemerocallis exaltata need?

Hemerocallis exaltata grows best in almost any reasonable soil and from loam to clay soil. It prefers acid and neutral or alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well drained; tolerates both damp and dry once established.

How do I prune Hemerocallis exaltata?

Snap off spent blooms to keep the display clean, and cut scapes to the base once all buds have finished. Remove dead foliage in late autumn or early spring.

How big does Hemerocallis exaltata grow?

Hemerocallis exaltata reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Hemerocallis exaltata hardy in the UK?

Hemerocallis exaltata has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Hemerocallis exaltata?

Divide in early spring or immediately after flowering, splitting the crown into fans each with roots attached. Proliferations that form on the scapes of some cultivars can be rooted as cuttings.

More in the Hemerocallis genus

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