Small Daylily

Small Daylily: A Charming Non-Native Perennial for Your Garden

If you’ve ever wondered about those cheerful yellow flowers that seem to pop up in older gardens and naturalized areas, you might be looking at Hemerocallis minor, commonly known as the small daylily. This petite member of the daylily family has been quietly making itself at home in American gardens for decades, and there’s a lot to consider before deciding whether it deserves a spot in yours.

What Exactly Is Small Daylily?

Small daylily is a perennial forb – essentially a non-woody plant that comes back year after year. Unlike its showier garden cousins, this little charmer keeps things simple with bright yellow, trumpet-shaped blooms and slender, grass-like foliage. True to the daylily name, each flower lasts just one day, but the plant produces multiple buds to keep the show going throughout its blooming period in early summer.

Native Status and Geographic Distribution

Here’s where things get interesting from a native gardening perspective. Small daylily isn’t actually native to North America – it originally hails from eastern Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan. However, it has established itself as a naturalized resident that reproduces on its own in the wild. Currently, it’s been documented growing in Oregon, though it may be present in other states as well.

Should You Plant Small Daylily?

This is where the decision gets a bit nuanced. Small daylily isn’t listed as invasive or noxious, which means it’s generally considered safe to grow. However, as a non-native species, it doesn’t provide the same ecological benefits as our native plants. Here are some factors to consider:

Reasons You Might Choose Small Daylily:

• Extremely low maintenance once established
• Drought tolerant and adaptable to various soil conditions
• Provides reliable early summer color
• Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies
• Hardy across USDA zones 3-9
• Perfect for cottage garden aesthetics

Reasons You Might Skip It:

• Doesn’t support native wildlife as effectively as native alternatives
• Can spread and naturalize beyond intended areas
• Native daylily alternatives might be better ecological choices

Growing Small Daylily Successfully

If you decide small daylily is right for your garden, you’ll be pleased to know it’s remarkably easy to grow. This adaptable perennial thrives in full sun to partial shade and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained soil.

Planting Tips:

• Plant in spring or fall for best establishment
• Space plants 18-24 inches apart
• Dig holes slightly larger than the root ball
• Water thoroughly after planting

Care and Maintenance:

• Water regularly the first year, then only during extended dry periods
• Deadhead spent blooms to keep plants tidy
• Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
• Cut back foliage in late fall or early spring

Garden Design Ideas

Small daylily works wonderfully in cottage gardens, perennial borders, and naturalized landscapes. Its grass-like foliage provides texture even when not in bloom, and the bright yellow flowers add cheerful color to early summer gardens. Try pairing it with other early bloomers or using it as a ground cover in areas where you want something low-maintenance but attractive.

Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits

While small daylily does attract bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich flowers, it’s worth noting that native plants typically provide more comprehensive benefits to local wildlife. The flowers offer some pollinator support, but native alternatives would support a broader range of beneficial insects and provide better habitat value.

Native Alternatives to Consider

If you’re leaning toward native options that offer similar appeal, consider looking into native lilies or other yellow-flowered perennials native to your region. Your local native plant society or extension office can provide recommendations for native plants that offer similar aesthetic appeal while supporting local ecosystems.

The Bottom Line

Small daylily is a perfectly reasonable choice for gardeners who appreciate low-maintenance perennials with reliable bloom and easy care requirements. While it may not be the most ecologically beneficial option, it’s not harmful either, and it can certainly earn its place in the right garden setting. Just remember to keep an eye on its spreading tendencies and consider balancing it with native plants elsewhere in your landscape.