Hemerocallis species -

Family:	Hemerocallidaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	1.2
Synonyms:
Range:	A range of garden hybrids.

Hemerocallis species () is a Perennial which grows to a height of 1.2m . It has a hardness rating of 0and is vunerable to frost.
Hemerocallis species will flower in January to March. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects

Soil Information

Hemerocallis species will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Hemerocallis species prefers either dry or moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Hemerocallis species can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Not known in the wild.

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Grows on a sunny edge
• Works within dappled Shade

Cultivation Details

There are many cultivars of garden origin in this genus that cannot be placed as part of a species simply because they are the result of many generations of hybridization. In general they all have edible flowers, young shoots and roots, though the quality will vary considerably from cultivar to cultivar. The following notes are general for the genus. Succeeds in most soils[1], including dry ones, preferring a rich moist soil[205]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in short grass if the soil is moist[1]. Succeeding in sun or shade, it produces more flowers in a sunny position though these flowers can be shorter-lived in very sunny positions[205]. Prefers a pH between 6 and 7[200]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[200]. Individual flowers are very short-lived, they open in the late afternoon and fade in the following morning[205]. Plants take a year or two to become established after being moved[1]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]. The plants are very susceptible to slug and snail damage, the young growth in spring is especially at risk[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 4/5
Leaves and young shoots - cooked. They have a delicious sweet flavour, but must be consumed when very young or else they become fibrous[K]. Flowers and flower buds - raw or cooked. The quality varies from cultivar to cultivar. All are pleasantly sweet and crunchy, though some leave an unpleasant after-taste in the mouth. In general, those with yellow or scented flowers are less desirable than those with brown to red flowers[K]. Root - raw or cooked.

• Flowers -
• Leaves -
• Root - includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 1/5
The juice of the roots is an effective antidote in cases of arsenic poisoning[205]. A tea made from the boiled roots is used as a diuretic[205].

• Antidote - Counters poisoning.
• Diuretic - Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Propagation

Seed - sow in the middle of spring in a greenhouse. Germination is usually fairly rapid and good, pot up the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow the plants on for their first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring[K]. Hemerocallis cultivars will not breed true from seed, though seedlings do offer an opportunity to develop superior varieties for eating[K]. Division in spring or after flowering in late summer or autumn[200]. Division is very quick and easy, succeeding at almost any time of the year[K]. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Known Hazards

Large quantities of the leaves are said to be hallucinogenic. Blanching the leaves removes this hallucinatory component[205]. (This report does not make clear what it means by blanching, it could be excluding light from the growing shoots or immersing in boiling water[K].)

Other Uses

The tough dried foliage is plaited into cord and used for making footwear[205].

• Weaving - Items such as grass and palm leaves that are woven together for making mats, baskets etc. See also Basket making and Fibre.

Cultivars

'Stafford' - The flowers are dark red and make very pleasant eating with no noticeable after-taste[K].

References

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

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