Daylilies are one of the most popular summer-blooming perennials. Many people are only familiar with the orange “ditch lily” that has naturalized over many parts of the country (to such an extent that many people think it’s a native plant. It’s not native; in fact, it shows up on most lists of invasive species.)

The horticultural cultivars are much more refined and less aggressive than Hemerocallis fulva, the Tawny or  Orange Daylily, mentioned above. With something like 50,000 registered cultivars, there is a daylily for every taste. (Literally: daylily buds are often eaten in Asian dishes, such as hot and sour soup.)

They come in virtually all colors except true blue, often times with contrasting colors on the same flower.  Heights range from about 14 inches in bloom to 6 feet. An individual plant blooms for several weeks, during the period from June to September. Some, like the ubiquitous ‘Stella de Oro,’ will go through a second or third bloom cycle if conditions are favorable.

They are best in full sun but tolerate partial shade. Increased shade tends to reduce the number of flowers. If you have a deer problem, then daylilies are not for you. They are very fond of the flowers.