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Orange Day-lily

Hemerocallis fulva

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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Asparagales
Family:
Asphodelaceae (Asphodel)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
90 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, meadows, roadsides, sand dunes, seaside, towns, wasteland, woodland.

Flower:
֍
Orange, 6 petals
 
The flowers of the Orange Day-lily are striking in their appearance. They feature vibrant, orange-hued petals that are trumpet-shaped and gently unfurl, revealing a central stigma and stamen. Each blossom exudes an understated, yet pleasing fragrance. These flowers are ephemeral, lasting only for a single day, but their beauty and colour make them a captivating sight during the blooming season in late spring to early summer.
Fruit:
The fruit of the Orange Day-lily consists of small, capsule-like structures. These capsules contain numerous tiny, flat, and dark brown to black seeds. The fruit is typically dry and dehiscent, meaning it splits open when mature to release the seeds. While the fruit is not as visually striking as the vibrant orange flowers of the plant, it plays a vital role in the reproductive cycle, allowing for the dispersal of seeds to propagate new Orange Day-lily plants.
Leaves:
The leaves of the Orange Day-lily are long and lance-shaped, resembling slender blades of grass. They are typically dark green in colour and grow in a basal arrangement, emerging directly from the base of the plant. These leaves can reach lengths of up to 2 feet (approximately 60 cm) or more. They are characterized by a smooth texture, with a slight arching or curving pattern. The leaves serve as a backdrop to the plant's vibrant orange flowers, providing a lush and verdant contrast to the striking blossoms.
Aroma:
The Orange Day-lily emits a delightful fragrance, characterised by its subtle and sweet aroma, with notes reminiscent of the British countryside.
Other Names:
Common Orange Daylily, Ditch Daylily, Eve's Thread, Fire Lily, Fulvous Daylily, Orange Day Lily, Outhouse Lily, Railroad Daylily, Roadside Daylily, Tawny Daylily, Tawny Daylily, Tiger Daylily, Tiger Lily, Wash-house Lily.
Frequency (UK):
Unusual  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Hemerocallis fulva, also known as the orange daylily or tawny daylily, is a species of flowering plant in the family Hemerocallidaceae. It is native to Asia, and has been widely introduced and naturalized in many parts of the world. The plant has long, narrow leaves and tall, slender stems that bear clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers that are typically orange or red in color. The flowers are fragrant and are often used as cut flowers. Daylilies are known for their ability to adapt to a wide range of growing conditions, and H. fulva is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping. It is also known for its ability to spread rapidly, and may become invasive in some areas.

Blog

Orange Day-lily, also known as Hemerocallis fulva, is a popular and hardy perennial plant that is often grown in gardens and landscapes. With its bright orange blooms and ease of care, it's no wonder that this plant has become a staple in many gardens around the world.

The Orange Day-lily is native to Asia and is believed to have been first cultivated over a thousand years ago. It has since spread to other parts of the world, including Europe and North America, where it has become a popular ornamental plant.

One of the key reasons why the Orange Day-lily is so popular is due to its ease of care. Unlike other plants that require frequent pruning and maintenance, the Orange Day-lily requires very little effort to keep it looking its best. This makes it an ideal choice for those who are looking for a low-maintenance plant for their garden.

The Orange Day-lily also blooms profusely from mid-summer to early fall, making it a great choice for those who want to add a pop of color to their garden during the warmer months. Each bloom only lasts for one day, which is why it is called the "Day-lily." However, the plant will produce new blooms every day during its blooming period, ensuring that your garden is always filled with vibrant color.

Another benefit of the Orange Day-lily is its versatility. This plant can be grown in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, and can also tolerate a wide range of pH levels. It is also very tolerant of drought and can withstand hot, dry conditions.

In terms of planting and care, Orange Day-lilies should be planted in a sunny location with well-drained soil. They should be watered regularly, but it is important to not overwater them, as this can lead to root rot. Additionally, the plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms.

Orange Day-lily (Hemerocallis fulva) is a beautiful and hardy perennial plant that is well-suited to a wide range of gardens and landscapes. With its ease of care, versatility, and abundant blooms, it is an excellent choice for those who want to add a pop of color to their garden with minimal effort.

In addition to its ornamental value, Orange Day-lilies have several other uses. For example, the young shoots and leaves of the plant are edible and can be cooked like asparagus. They have a slightly bitter taste and are often used in Asian cooking.

The plant also has medicinal properties and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat various ailments such as digestive issues, skin conditions, and kidney problems. It is important to note, however, that consuming large amounts of the plant can be toxic, so it should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

If you are interested in growing Orange Day-lilies in your garden, it is important to be aware that they can be invasive in some areas. This means that they can spread rapidly and outcompete native plants. If you live in an area where this plant is considered invasive, it is best to avoid planting it or to keep it contained in a pot.

Another thing to keep in mind is that Orange Day-lilies can be propagated easily. This can be done by dividing the clumps of the plant, or by taking stem cuttings. Propagating Orange Day-lilies is a great way to expand your garden or to share with friends and family.

Orange Day-lilies are a beautiful and versatile plant that are well worth considering for your garden. With their ease of care, abundance of blooms, and potential uses in cooking and traditional medicine, they are an excellent choice for those who want a plant that provides both beauty and utility. Just be sure to research the potential invasiveness of the plant in your area before planting, and always use caution when using any plant for medicinal purposes.

Another important aspect to consider when growing Orange Day-lilies is their resistance to pests and diseases. This plant is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, however, it can be susceptible to rust, a fungal disease that can cause yellow or orange spots on the leaves. To prevent rust, make sure to plant your Orange Day-lilies in a location with good air circulation and avoid overhead watering, as this can encourage the growth of the fungus.

Another potential problem that can affect Orange Day-lilies is damage from deer. If you live in an area with a high deer population, it is best to plant your Orange Day-lilies in a protected location or to surround the plants with a physical barrier to keep the deer from eating them.

In terms of landscaping, Orange Day-lilies can be used in a variety of ways in your garden. For example, they can be planted as borders along walkways or property lines, or they can be used as a focal point in a garden bed. They can also be planted in mass for a bold display of color, or they can be mixed with other plants for a more diverse and interesting garden.

Finally, Orange Day-lilies are also popular in cut flower arrangements. Their bright orange blooms make them a great choice for adding color to indoor arrangements, and they are also a popular choice for outdoor weddings and other special events.

Orange Day-lilies are a hardy and versatile plant that are well-suited to a wide range of gardens and landscapes. With their ease of care, resistance to pests and diseases, and versatility in landscaping and cut flower arrangements, they are an excellent choice for those looking to add a pop of color to their garden.

It's also worth mentioning that Orange Day-lilies can be grown in a variety of soil types and conditions. They are adaptable and can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils, as long as the soil is well-drained. They also tolerate a wide range of pH levels, from acidic to alkaline.

When it comes to watering, Orange Day-lilies are relatively drought-tolerant once they are established, but they do need regular watering during the first growing season to help them establish a strong root system. After that, they can usually be watered once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions.

In terms of light, Orange Day-lilies prefer full sun to partial shade, but they can also tolerate some light shade. If you live in an area with hot summers, it's a good idea to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day to help prevent the leaves from getting scorched.

Finally, it's important to fertilize your Orange Day-lilies regularly to encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms. A slow-release fertilizer applied in the spring is a good option, or you can use a balanced fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season.

In conclusion, Orange Day-lilies are a low-maintenance and adaptable plant that can thrive in a variety of soil types, light conditions, and watering regimes. With their bright orange blooms, ease of care, and resistance to pests and diseases, they are an excellent choice for those looking to add a pop of color to their garden. Just be sure to follow proper care instructions to ensure the health and longevity of your Orange Day-lilies.


Orange Day-lily Facts Worth Knowing About

  1. Scientifically recognised as Hemerocallis fulva.
  2. It belongs to the family Liliaceae.
  3. Indigenous to Asia, specifically China and Korea.
  4. Commonly referred to as the "Orange Day-lily" or "Tawny Day-lily."
  5. It's renowned for the vivid orange hue of its blossoms.
  6. This plant grows from a rhizomatous root system.
  7. Typically, it attains a height ranging from 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm).
  8. Its blooming season spans late spring through early summer.
  9. Remarkably, each flower opens for just a single day, which lends it the name "Day-lily."
  10. On a single stem, it produces multiple trumpet-shaped flowers, imbued with a delicate, sweet fragrance.
  11. These striking flowers attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
  12. The Orange Day-lily exhibits adaptability to a wide spectrum of soil conditions.
  13. To flourish optimally, it necessitates exposure to full sun or partial shade.
  14. Once established, it showcases tolerance to drought.
  15. It's a versatile addition to landscapes and garden borders.
  16. The foliage is characterised by its long, grass-like appearance.
  17. Over time, it forms clumps.
  18. Propagation is achievable through division, a method to create new plants.
  19. In traditional Chinese medicine, it has been utilised for its purported medicinal attributes.
  20. Both the flowers and young shoots of this plant are edible and are employed in some Asian culinary traditions.
  21. Furthermore, it finds utility in herbal and ornamental applications.
  22. As a hardy perennial, it can withstand the rigours of winter conditions.
  23. The Orange Day-lily can be found in a variety of cultivars, each exhibiting distinctive flower colours.
  24. This plant demonstrates resistance to most pests and diseases.
  25. Characterised by its ease of care and low maintenance requirements.
  26. Under favourable conditions, it has the potential to naturalise and spread.
  27. In the early days of summer, it imparts a vibrant burst of colour to gardens.
  28. In some cultures, it is symbolically associated with renewal and rebirth.
  29. Additionally, it holds a place of honour in folklore and literature, celebrated for its transient and exquisite beauty.

Video

Orange Day-lily filmed at Lytham St. Anne's in Lancashire on the 12th June 2023.

 

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