Hemerocallis x hybrida 'Charles Johnston'
perennial

Daylily 'Charles Johnston'

Hemerocallis x hybrida 'Charles Johnston'

The Story

Plant Bio

Daylilies are hardy, clump-forming perennials known for their showy, trumpet-shaped flowers. Each flower lasts only a day, but plants produce a succession of blooms over several weeks.

A classic diploid cultivar prized for its large, 6-inch, slightly ruffled, cherry-red flowers with a contrasting greenish-yellow throat. It is a vigorous, midseason bloomer.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesVivid, trumpet-shaped flowers provide a striking visual in gardens and borders.
Practical UsesLow-maintenance perennial that blooms annually with minimal care.
Ecological BenefitsAttracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
SpeciesHemerocallis x hybridaDaylily

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and dogs, but toxic to cats.

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
  2. Tuck dormant roots 1-2 inches deep into the soil.
  3. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
  4. Mist cuttings or divide clumps in early spring or fall.
  5. Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture.
  6. Maintain consistent watering during active growth periods.

Pro Tip

Plant in full sun for best flowering and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
  • Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming
  • Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring
  • Divide clumps every 3-4 years for vigor

Don't

  • Avoid waterlogging soil ❌
  • Don’t over-fertilize, which can cause lush foliage but fewer flowers
  • Refrain from disturbing plants during blooming
  • Don’t plant in heavy clay soil without amendment

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Bright perennial borderColorful container plantingSunny rock garden accent

Companion Plants

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Daylily 'Charles Johnston' questions

What zones can Daylily 'Charles Johnston' grow in?

Daylily 'Charles Johnston' is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Daylily 'Charles Johnston' deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Daylily 'Charles Johnston', especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Daylily 'Charles Johnston' bloom?

Daylily 'Charles Johnston' typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Daylily 'Charles Johnston' need full sun?

Daylily 'Charles Johnston' does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Daylily 'Charles Johnston' drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Daylily 'Charles Johnston' handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Daylily 'Charles Johnston' with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.