Daylily vs Lily: Roots plus Blooms plus Growth Habit
Daylily vs lily is a common point of confusion, since the names sound alike. Daylilies are Hemerocallis, clump forming perennials with grassy leaves. True lilies are Lilium, bulb plants with leaves along an upright stem. They belong to different plant families.
The short answer
Daylilies grow from tuberous roots in clumps of grassy leaves. Each flower lasts one day, but plants open many buds over a long season. True lilies grow from bulbs with fleshy scales. Their leaves grow along an erect stem, plus blooms appear from June to August.
How do daylily and lily roots differ?
NC State Extension notes daylilies are not true lilies. They are clump forming perennials in the daylily family, Asphodelaceae. Cover their tubers with 1 inch of soil at planting. University of Minnesota Extension advises setting the crown 1 inch below the ground line.
Lilies are bulb plants in the lily family, Liliaceae. NC State Extension notes the bulbs have white, purplish or yellow fleshy scales. Plant bulbs 8 inches deep in fall. They overwinter in the ground without being lifted for storage.
| Trait | Daylily | Lily |
|---|---|---|
| Genus | Hemerocallis | Lilium |
| Family | Asphodelaceae | Liliaceae |
| Underground part | Tuberous roots | Bulb with fleshy scales |
| Planting depth | Crown 1 inch below soil | Bulb 8 inches deep |
| Leaves | Grassy, from the base | Along an erect stem |
| Flower life | One day each | Blooms June to August |
Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.
How do their leaves and stems differ?
Daylilies form tall, erect clumps with grass like leaves that are often folded, per NC State Extension. The flowers sit on a stalk called a scape. Clemson Extension advises cutting each scape close to ground level once its flowers finish.
Lilies are erect, often unbranched plants with leaves attached right to the stem. NC State Extension notes Martagon lilies have whorled leaves. Oriental lilies have alternate leaves plus can grow up to 8 feet tall. Taller lilies may need staking.
How long does each flower last?
A daylily flower lasts only one day. The name comes from the Greek hemera, meaning day, plus kallos, meaning beauty, per University of Minnesota Extension. Each plant makes many buds, so Clemson Extension notes a clump may bloom for 30 to 40 days in total.
Lily flowers have six tepals in two whorls. They turn down, out or up depending on the group. NC State Extension notes lilies bloom from June to August after fall planting.
How to: step by step
- Choose full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light.
- Mix compost into well drained soil.
- Set daylily crowns 1 inch below the soil surface.
- Plant lily bulbs 8 inches deep in fall.
- Space daylilies 18 to 24 inches apart.
- Cut finished daylily scapes plus lily stems once they yellow.
Troubleshooting
Daylilies bloom poorly: crowded clumps. Divide them after flowering to restore bloom.
Lily bulbs rot: overly moist soil. Plant in well drained soil plus avoid soggy spots.
Faded daylily petals: harsh afternoon sun on dark cultivars. Give dark types light afternoon shade.
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Sources
- Daylilies, University of Minnesota Extension
- Hemerocallis, NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Lilium, NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Daylily, Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC
FAQ
Are daylilies true lilies?
No. University of Minnesota Extension notes daylilies belong to the genus Hemerocallis plus are not true lilies. NC State Extension places them in the daylily family, Asphodelaceae. True lilies are Lilium in the lily family, Liliaceae. NC State Extension notes the two are often confused because of the shared common name.
When should daylilies be divided?
Usually after flowering. Clemson Extension notes daylilies grow rapidly into dense clumps. Division is not required but may revive flowering in crowded plants. Lift the whole clump with a garden fork plus shake off the soil. Then work the roots of individual fans apart. NC State Extension also lists fall or spring division.
Do lilies come back every year?
Yes, they are perennials. NC State Extension notes lilies are bulb plants that overwinter in the ground without being lifted for storage. Plant bulbs 8 inches deep in fall for blooms from June to August. Cut back stems after bloom once they begin to turn yellow. Deadhead spent blooms to reduce seed formation.
Which needs more sun?
Both like sun. University of Minnesota Extension notes daylilies flower most with at least 6 hours of direct sun but tolerate light shade. NC State Extension notes lilies prefer full sun to afternoon sun on their leaves with shade over the roots. A mulch over lily roots holds the root zone cool.
How tall do daylilies grow?
It depends on the cultivar. University of Minnesota Extension notes daylilies typically grow 1 to 4 feet high. Clemson Extension gives a range from 8 inches to 5 feet. Flower size can be as small as 2 inches or as large as 8 inches. Plants reach mature size in about three to four years.
