Daylilies are called
daylilies because each flower is said to last only a day. Although the flowers look like true lilies (Lillium sp.), daylilies are in the
Hemerocallis family. If you have trouble telling them apart, simply look at the stems and leaves.
Daylilies have long, strap-like leaves, with flowers borne on long, leafless stems. True lilies are bulbs with a single long stem. True lilies have leaves along the stem.
Daylilies come in many colors and sizes and are among the hardiest of perennials. They aren't terribly fussy about soil, but, of course, will do best in beds with good drainage that have been amended with organic material. Water during dry spells.
In the northwest, plant or divide daylilies in early spring or fall. Clumps will spread over time and for best bloom should be divided every few years.
Most daylilies bloom late spring early to mid-summer for a period of days to a few weeks depending on weather. A few will bloom throughout summer, such as this charming yellow, dwarf variety called 'Stella d'Oro.'
For more information on daylilies, take a look at
Diana Grenfell's book "Daylilies," part of the Gardeners Guide series.
