Garden hybrid

Hemerocallis x hybridaDaylily

70 other cultivars

perennial

Daylily Challenger

Hemerocallis x hybrida 'Challenger'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hemerocallis x hybrida 'Challenger' is a perennial daylily distinguished by its clumping growth habit, strap-shaped leaves, and vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that typically bloom in shades of orange with a hint of red.

This cultivar is celebrated for its reliable, prolific flowering and its ability to withstand a range of soil conditions, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance borders and perennial beds.

Uses & Benefits:

Vivid orange flowers add striking color to gardens, attracting pollinators and hummingbirds.

Drought tolerant once established, requiring minimal watering and maintenance.

Supports local pollinators and provides habitat for beneficial insects.

SpeciesHemerocallis x hybridaDaylily

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

34 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to cats

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck roots 1 inch deep in well-draining soil.
Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil moist.
Fertilize in early spring with balanced fertilizer.
Divide every 3-4 years in early spring or late summer.
Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Prune back dead foliage in late fall or early spring.

Pro Tip

Plant in well-draining soil with full sun for best blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
Divide every 3-4 years to promote healthy growth
Remove spent flowers to encourage additional blooms

Don't

Avoid overly wet soil to prevent root rot ❌
Don’t fertilize late in the season
Refrain from pruning in late fall

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Colorful perennial borderBright flower bed accentDrought-tolerant garden feature

Companion Plants

Sedum EchinaceaLavender Coreopsis Salvia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Daylily Challenger questions

What zones can Daylily Challenger grow in?

Daylily Challenger is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Daylily Challenger deer resistant?

Yes — Daylily Challenger is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Daylily Challenger bloom?

Daylily Challenger 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 Challenger need full sun?

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

Is Daylily Challenger drought tolerant?

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