Citron Daylily: A Fragrant Evening Bloomer for Your Garden
If you’ve ever wished your garden could offer more nighttime appeal, the citron daylily (Hemerocallis citrina) might just be the plant you’re looking for. Also known as the long yellow daylily, this unique perennial brings something special to the table – or should we say, to the evening air.
What Makes Citron Daylily Special?
Unlike most daylilies that open their blooms during the day, citron daylily is a bit of a night owl. Its pale yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers unfurl in the evening and release a delightful fragrance that can perfume your entire garden. These blooms typically appear in mid-summer, creating a magical experience for anyone enjoying their outdoor space after sunset.
The flowers themselves are quite elegant – soft yellow petals that seem to glow in the twilight, measuring about 4-5 inches across. While each bloom lasts only a day (true to the daylily name), the plant produces multiple buds that ensure weeks of continuous flowering.
Native Status and Distribution
Citron daylily is native to China, specifically the central and eastern regions of the country. While it’s not native to North America, it has been cultivated here for many decades without showing invasive tendencies in most regions.
Why Consider Growing Citron Daylily?
Here are some compelling reasons gardeners choose this unique daylily:
- Evening fragrance: Perfect for patios, decks, and areas where you relax in the evening
- Night-blooming appeal: Adds interest to evening and moonlit gardens
- Low maintenance: Once established, it’s quite hardy and requires minimal care
- Pollinator support: Attracts night-flying moths and other nocturnal pollinators
- Versatile placement: Works well in borders, cottage gardens, or as accent plants
Growing Conditions and Care
Citron daylily is pleasantly accommodating when it comes to growing conditions. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-9, making it suitable for most of the United States.
Light requirements: Full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for best flowering)
Soil needs: Well-draining soil is essential. It adapts to various soil types but prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH
Water requirements: Moderate moisture levels work best. Avoid waterlogged conditions
Size: Typically grows 3-4 feet tall with a similar spread
Planting and Care Tips
Getting your citron daylily established is straightforward:
- Plant timing: Spring is ideal for planting bare-root rhizomes
- Spacing: Allow 18-24 inches between plants for proper air circulation
- Planting depth: Set the crown just at soil level – not too deep
- Mulching: Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Division: Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring to maintain vigor
- Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage continued flowering
Garden Design Ideas
Citron daylily works beautifully in several garden settings:
- Evening gardens: Plant near seating areas where you can enjoy the fragrance
- Cottage gardens: Mix with other perennials for a relaxed, naturalistic look
- Perennial borders: Use as a mid-height backdrop for shorter plants
- Fragrance gardens: Combine with other evening-scented plants like four o’clocks or evening primrose
Consider Native Alternatives
While citron daylily isn’t invasive, you might also consider native plants that offer similar benefits. Native alternatives that provide evening interest and support local ecosystems include evening primrose (Oenothera species), native moonflowers (Ipomoea alba), or wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) which, while day-blooming, offers excellent pollinator support and fragrance.
The Bottom Line
Citron daylily offers something truly special – the gift of evening fragrance and nighttime garden interest. While it may not be native to our shores, it’s a well-behaved garden citizen that can add a unique dimension to your landscape. Whether you’re creating an evening retreat or simply want to enjoy your garden’s perfume during summer twilight, this charming daylily delivers on its promises with minimal fuss and maximum reward.
