Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are among the most rewarding perennials for home gardeners. Hardy, drought-tolerant, and available in thousands of cultivars, they offer season-long colour with minimal maintenance. Whether you’re planting your first daylily or expanding a collection, the varieties below represent the best performers I’ve trialled over two decades.
Top Daylily Varieties Worth Growing
Stella de Oro
The gold standard for reblooming daylilies. Compact 30cm scapes produce golden-yellow blooms from late spring through frost. Ideal for borders and containers. Zones 3–10.
Purple de Oro
Rich grape-purple petals with a lime-green throat. A vigorous rebloomer reaching 50cm. Excellent disease resistance and multiplies quickly. Zones 3–9.
Pardon Me
Deep cranberry-red with a bright yellow-green throat. Compact, fragrant, and one of the longest-blooming reds available. A Stout Medal winner. Zones 3–9.
Essential Daylily Growing Tips
From my experience trialling hundreds of cultivars, these practices consistently produce the healthiest plants and most prolific blooms:
- Plant in full sun (6+ hours) for maximum bloom count. Light afternoon shade in hot climates helps darker cultivars retain colour.
- Space plants 45–60cm apart. Daylilies multiply rapidly and need airflow to prevent crown rot.
- Water deeply once per week during bloom season. Avoid overhead irrigation to reduce rust and leaf streak.
- Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser (10-10-10) in early spring. Over-feeding promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.
- Deadhead spent scapes promptly to encourage reblooming varieties to push new buds throughout summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are daylilies the same as true lilies?
No. Daylilies (Hemerocallis) grow from fibrous roots, while true lilies (Lilium) grow from bulbs. Daylilies are also non-toxic to humans, though they are toxic to cats.
When is the best time to plant daylilies?
Spring and early autumn are ideal. This gives roots time to establish before extreme heat or frost. Container-grown plants can be planted anytime the ground isn’t frozen.
How often should I divide daylilies?
Every 3–5 years, or when bloom count declines. Divide in early spring or after flowering. Each division should have 2–3 fans of foliage for fastest re-establishment.
