Hemerocallis 'Heron' (Daylily) — Clump forming

Overview

Hemerocallis 'Heron' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Hemerocallis, part of the Asphodelaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Hemerocallis 'Heron' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include coastal and cottage and informal garden.

About

Hemerocallis 'Heron' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Asphodelaceae grown for its summer flowering. It forms semi-evergreen basal foliage and produces blooms from June to August. Plant in full sun or partial shade on moist but well-drained soils of chalk, clay, loam or sand, across acid to alkaline pH. It tolerates both exposed and sheltered situations and is rated H6 (very hardy).

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 'Heron' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial within the Asphodelaceae, valued for a clear summer flowering period from June to August. The foliage is semi-evergreen, so plants retain leaves through mild spells and give structure outside the main bloom months. Position Hemerocallis 'Heron' in full sun or partial shade, ideally on a south- or west-facing aspect where it receives the most warmth. It prefers soil that is moist but well drained and will grow across a broad range of textures — chalk, clay, loam or sand — and pH levels from acid to alkaline. The rating H6 indicates the cultivar is very hardy in UK gardens; it tolerates both exposed coastal sites and more sheltered borders. Use these clumps where a reliable summer display and durable foliage are required: coastal plots, cottage borders and informal garden schemes are all appropriate. Plants carry their summer flowers above the semi-evergreen clump, making them useful as mid-border anchors or punctuations in mixed perennial groups. Expect flowering to run from June to August, with the foliage providing season-long presence between blooms.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Hemerocallis

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Hemerocallis 'Heron' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Semi evergreen
Suggested uses: Coastal, Cottage and informal garden

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hemerocallis 'Heron'

Propagation: Propagate by division in early spring or early autumn
Pest resistance: May be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails, hemerocallis gall midge, glasshouse red spider mite and Thrips
Disease resistance: May be susceptible to fungal leaf spot and rust diseases or bacterial leaf and stem rot

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Hemerocallis 'Heron'?

Hemerocallis 'Heron' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Hemerocallis 'Heron' need?

Hemerocallis 'Heron' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.