Lesser Daylily
hemerocallis minor
Also known as: ["Daylily","Lesser Daylily"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant known for its attractive, trumpet-shaped flowers that typically bloom for only one day.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus: | Hemerocallis |
| Botanical Name: | Hemerocallis minor |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining to prevent root rot.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; every 3–4 years to divide and rejuvenate the plant.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless dividing the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to sunlight gradually; protect from intense midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide afternoon shade in hot regions; rotate pots for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water at the base to avoid foliage; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; adjust based on weather and soil type.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Amend heavy clay soil with sand or grit; avoid waterlogged conditions; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but may go dormant below 50°F (10°C); thrives in moderate summer heat.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
monthly during spring and summer, every 2 months in fall and winter
Fertilize in spring before growth spurt; avoid over-fertilizing; water before applying fertilizer.
Propagation
Methods
Division of rhizomes; stem cuttings can also be used but are less common.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide rhizomes with a sharp knife.
- Replant divisions at the same depth.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is not in active bloom.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; protect from direct sun during rooting.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix with perlite or sand; can also be propagated in water initially.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; rooting hormone can aid stem cuttings.
Timeline
Division establishes quickly in 1–2 weeks; stem cuttings root in 3–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, clean pots, well-draining soil, rooting hormone (optional).
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; ensure each division has healthy roots and buds.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stalks at the base; divide clumps with a sharp, clean tool if needed.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage reblooming; thin overcrowded clumps to improve air circulation.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, gloves.
Checklist
Remove dead or damaged foliage; cut spent blooms; sanitize tools between cuts.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes are clear.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; replant in fresh, well-draining soil with added organic matter.
Suggestions
Repot every 3–4 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; division is often done at this time.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure proper drainage; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid foliage wetting.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring root zone saturation; avoid wetting leaves to prevent fungal issues; water in the morning for optimal absorption.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth; reduce frequency in winter to monthly or as soil dries out.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; ensure organic matter is well-mixed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in extreme heat; stunted growth or leaf browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may develop root rot in waterlogged soil; foliage may yellow or die back.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; ensure well-draining soil; protect from frost and freezing winds.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch; reduced flowering; wilting despite adequate water due to evaporation.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil fertility; apply fertilizer at recommended rates; water after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; apply again after flowering; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if needed.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicHemerocallis minor is not considered toxic to cats. No toxic effects or physiological impacts have been reported in felines after ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicHemerocallis minor is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects following ingestion by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicHemerocallis minor, commonly known as daylily, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with its consumption.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are daylilies toxic to pets?
A: No, daylilies are non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How long do daylily flowers last?
A: Each flower typically lasts only one day, but the plant produces multiple flowers over several weeks.
Q: Do daylilies attract wildlife?
A: Yes, they attract bees, butterflies, and birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asphodelaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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