Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus (Lemon Daylily) — Clump-forming

Overview

Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus is a clump-forming perennial in the genus Hemerocallis, part of the Asphodelaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall and 0.6 m wide. Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include borders, containers, cottage gardens and coastal planting. It is native to Albania, Altay, Amur, China North-Central, China Southeast, Italy, Kazakhstan, Khabarovsk, Korea, Manchuria, Mongolia and NW. Balkan Pen..

About

Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus is a clump-forming daylily in the Asphodelaceae that bears lemon-yellow, sweetly fragrant flowers. It has deciduous foliage and prefers a south-facing, sheltered site. Plant in neutral loam that remains moist but drains freely. Flowers appear from June to August.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus

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 lilioasphodelus is a clump-forming member of the Asphodelaceae native to parts of China and recorded in northeastern Italy and Slovenia. The species produces upright scapes of lemon-yellow, scented blooms that open through the summer, offering a clear flowering window from June to August. Give Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus full sun in a south-facing spot where it will be sheltered from prevailing winds. It performs best in a neutral loam that retains moisture without waterlogging; aim for soil that is moist but well-drained. The plant is classed H6, which means it is very hardy in UK conditions, so it will tolerate winter cold provided the crown is not left in standing water. Use the lemon daylily in perennial borders, containers, cottage garden mixes and coastal schemes where salt exposure is a concern; its clump-forming habit helps define edges and drifts. Position it where the scented summer flowers can be enjoyed from a path or seating area, as the blooms are concentrated in the June to August period and add a clear seasonal note to planting plans.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Hemerocallis

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Loam
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 0.6 m
Spread: 0.6 m
Suggested uses: Borders, containers, cottage gardens, coastal planting
Native to: Albania, Altay, Amur, China North-Central, China Southeast, Italy, Kazakhstan, Khabarovsk, Korea, Manchuria, Mongolia, NW. Balkan Pen.
Fragrance: Sweetly fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil, regular watering during dry periods, and benefits from mulching to retain moisture.
Pruning: Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back foliage after flowering season ends.
Propagation: Division in early spring or autumn
Pest resistance: Aphids, slugs, snails, hemerocallis gall midge, glasshouse red spider mite, thrips
Disease resistance: Fungal leaf spot, rust diseases, bacterial leaf and stem rot