Hemerocallis x hybrida 'Earlybird Cardinal'
perennial

Earlybird Cardinal Daylily

Hemerocallis x hybrida 'Earlybird Cardinal'

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

20 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Garden Origin

Toxicity

Toxic to cats. Edible parts for humans.

The Story

Plant Bio

Herbaceous perennial with a clumping habit, producing grass-like, arching leaves. Flower scapes rise above the foliage, bearing multiple buds that open for a single day. A reblooming daylily, it is prized for its early bloom season. Features large, 5-inch, cardinal-red flowers with ruffled edges and a yellow-green throat. It reliably reblooms from late spring through summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesVivid, trumpet-shaped blooms add striking color to gardens and landscapes.
Practical UsesLow-maintenance perennial that thrives in diverse conditions.
Ecological BenefitsProvides nectar for pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck young plants into well-drained soil in early spring.
  2. Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
  3. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring and mid-summer.
  4. Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring or fall.
  5. Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
  6. Prune dead or damaged foliage in late fall or early spring.

Pro Tip

Plant in full sun for vibrant blooms and vigorous growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water consistently during dry spells 🌱
  • Apply mulch to retain soil moisture
  • Remove spent flowers to encourage rebloom
  • Divide overgrown clumps every few years

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
  • Don't plant in heavy, waterlogged soil
  • Refrain from fertilizing late in the season
  • Avoid pruning in late fall to prevent winter injury

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Harvest
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Colorful border plantVivid perennial accentBright container display

Companion Plants

Sedum Echinacea Salvia Coreopsis Gaillardia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Earlybird Cardinal Daylily questions

What zones can Earlybird Cardinal Daylily grow in?

Earlybird Cardinal Daylily 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 Earlybird Cardinal Daylily deer resistant?

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

When does Earlybird Cardinal Daylily bloom?

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

Does Earlybird Cardinal Daylily need full sun?

Earlybird Cardinal Daylily does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Earlybird Cardinal Daylily drought tolerant?

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

Keep exploring

Grow Earlybird Cardinal Daylily 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.

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