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Ditch lily
Also known as: Common daylily, Tiger daylily
The ditch lily is a perennial plant known for its captivating lily-like blooms. Its natural habitats are meadows and forests, but it is also a common garden plant in temperate regions around the world. Each individual flower lasts only a day, but the plant will bloom new ones for weeks. Ditch lily's young buds and flowers are edible either raw or cooked. As a bonus to vegetarians, the flowers contain more fats than most vegetables.
Scientific classification
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Toxic to Human & Pets
Toxicity
Perennial
Lifespan
Herb
Plant Type
Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
Bloom Time
Spring
Harvest Time
40 cm to 1.5 m
Plant Height
60 cm to 90 cm
Spread
Green
Leaf Color
5 cm to 12 cm
Flower Size
Black
Fruit Color
Orange, Red, Yellow
Flower Color
Green
Stem Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy
Deciduous
Leaf type
0 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Summer
Growth Season
Rapid
Growth Rate

Images of Ditch lily

Distribution of Ditch lily

Distribution Map
Ditch lily is native to eastern Asia including China, Japan and Korea, where it grows in forest edges and meadows. It is a popularly cultivated ornamental in North America, Europe, and other parts of Asia.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Roadsides, waste places, homesteads, open forests, stream banks
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Flowering
Fruiting

Culture

Environmental Protection Value
The ditch lily is often used as a pollution detection plant. When the air is polluted by fluorine, the tips of its leaves will turn reddish-brown.
Economic Value
Cultivated as a food crop in some parts of the world.
Garden Use
Ditch lily is a herbaceous perennial commonly found in gardens. It is prized for its large, vibrant orange blooms and ease to maintain. It has the ability to overpower weeds so is often used for ground cover. Ditch lily is used within Japanese-style or Pollinator gardens as border plants. Plant with Garden Phlox or Caradonna to make a strong color contrast.
Symbolism
A mother's love and devotion, purity, joy, passion
Interesting Facts
The ditch lily is the Chinese emblem for Mother's Day. Meanwhile, it is widely known as "Forget Sadness Grass", meaning that you will forget all unpleasant things. So it also means "forgotten love".
Name Story
Orange daylily: "Look, orange lilies!" That's what most people would call the Hemerocallis fulva, not knowing its latin name. Therefore, it is commonly called the ditch lily.
Common daylily: Although it looks similar to a lily, the Hemerocallis fulva isn't actually a lily. Since each flower only blooms for one day, the plant is known as the daylily. This particular species is the most common in the genus, so this is why it is called the common daylily.
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Toxicity

Consuming parts of ditch lily can cause adverse reactions in people, including upset stomach and vomiting. Ditch lily is also toxic to cats and dogs, potentially causing gastrointestinal issues upon ingestion. Immediate veterinary care is essential for pets exhibiting symptoms after consuming ditch lily.
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RELATED: Toxicity of Ditch lily

Quickly Identify Ditch lily

1
Upward-facing, tawny trumpet-shaped blooms with central stripe, lasting just a day.
2
Strap-shaped, arching foliage in lush, dense clumps, vividly green, 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) long.
3
Vibrant reddish-yellow flowers on long, slender stalks, approximately 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) wide.
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Care Guide for Ditch lily

Every 1-2 weeks
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
0 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: Ditch lily thrives in Eastern Asia's moderate moisture, often near ditches. It needs watering every 1-2 weeks, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged. Robust and resilient, it is commonly grown outdoors, adapting to varying rainfall patterns during the growing season.
Fertilize: Ditch lily requires balanced nutrition with fertilizers like 10-10-10 for optimal health. Apply in early spring and mid-summer, usually one tablespoon per plant. Reduce applications in autumn for dormancy, and water post-application to integrate nutrients, avoiding over-fertilization and environmental damage.
Pruning: Ditch lily is a hardy perennial with vibrant orange blooms. Prune in early to late spring to promote growth; remove dead foliage and spent flower stalks to focus energy on roots. Regular pruning enhances blooms and keeps a tidy appearance.
Propagation: Ditch lily is a resilient perennial that thrives under diverse conditions. Successful propagation involves dividing rhizomes with growth buds. Ideal timing for division is post-flowering, ensuring greater survival rates and robust growth when replanted in suitable soil.
Repotting: Ditch lily thrives in pots but requires a spacious container to accommodate its growth.
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