Flava Daylily

Flava daylily is the lemon lily, an early-blooming species with fragrant, lemon-yellow flowers above a fan of narrow green leaves. Some references use the name Hemerocallis flava; Kew’s Plants of the World Online treats that name as a synonym of Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus. ## Site and growing Plant in full sun or partial shade in average garden soil; clay and sandy soils are both suitable when moisture is not extreme. The species profile gives a height of 29–35 inches, a spread of 23–35 inches, and USDA Zones 2–9. Its clumping leaves and slowly spreading roots suit a border, patio container, or naturalized planting. See [Kew’s taxonomic record for Hemerocallis flava](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:536333-1), the [lemon daylily profile](https://www.perennials.com/plants/hemerocallis-lilioasphodelus.html), and [Old House Gardens’ growing notes](https://oldhousegardens.com/store/bulb-info/HM03). ## Seasonal interest This species is among the first daylilies to flower, typically from late spring into early summer. Its trumpet-shaped yellow blooms are strongly citrus-scented, and each flower lasts about a day. ## Maintenance Water regularly during establishment and from spring until flowering. Remove spent flowers and stems for a neater display; divide an established clump only when it becomes crowded. Old House Gardens recommends keeping the crown close to the soil surface.