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Daylily

Daylilies are flowering perennial plants in the genus Hemerocallis, native to Asia and widely grown as ornamentals.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Daylilies are flowering perennial plants in the genus Hemerocallis, native to Asia and widely grown as ornamentals. Despite their common name, they are not true lilies. Each bloom lasts only about one day, but plants produce many buds over an extended flowering period, making them a common hardy ornamental in Canadian gardens.

Taxonomy

Daylilies belong to the genus Hemerocallis in the family Asphodelaceae. They are commonly called lilies, but they are not members of the true lily genus Lilium.

Description

Daylilies are herbaceous perennial plants with narrow, sword-shaped leaves and clusters of funnel- or bell-shaped flowers on stalks. Individual blooms usually last a single day, which is the source of the common name.

Cultivation

Daylilies are widely used as ornamental garden plants and are known for being adaptable and easy to grow. Hybridization has produced many cultivars with a wide range of flower colours and forms.

Uses

Beyond ornamental use, some daylily species are eaten in East Asian cuisines, especially their flowers and buds. The plants are also sometimes used in landscaping and as ground cover.

Key facts

  • Daylilies are in the genus Hemerocallis and are not taxonomically true lilies.
  • The genus is native to Asia and includes about 15 species, with some sources giving broader estimates.
  • Each flower is short-lived, but plants usually open many buds sequentially over weeks.
  • Daylilies are widely cultivated in gardens and have been heavily hybridized, producing many cultivars.
  • Some species and cultivars are grown for edible flowers and buds in parts of Asia.
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Canadian context

Daylilies are common ornamental perennials in Canadian gardens because they are hardy, adaptable, and widely available through nurseries and garden centres.

Frequently asked questions

What is a daylily?
A daylily is a flowering plant in the genus Hemerocallis, commonly grown as a perennial ornamental.
Are daylilies true lilies?
No. Daylilies are not in the lily genus Lilium and are not taxonomically true lilies.
Why are they called daylilies?
The name refers to each flower’s short lifespan, usually only one day.
Where are daylilies native to?
Daylilies are native to Asia.
Are daylilies edible?
Some species have edible flowers and buds and are used in parts of East Asian cuisine.
How long do daylilies bloom overall?
An individual flower lasts about one day, but a plant can keep producing new blooms for weeks.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daylily
    Supports: Genus, family, native range, and non-lily classification
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/daylily
    Supports: Taxonomy, morphology, native range, and ornamental/edible uses
  3. NC State Extension Plant Toolbox — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hemerocallis/
    Supports: Clump-forming habit, native range, and meaning of the genus name
  4. Gardeners Supply — https://www.gardeners.com/blogs/flower-encyclopedia/growing-daylilies-8104
    Supports: Bloom duration, cultivation, and horticultural use
  5. Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County — https://ccetompkins.org/resources/beautification-daylily-fact-sheet
    Supports: Cultivation, bloom period, and number of cultivars