perennial

Mauna Loa Daylily

The Story

Plant Bio

Daylilies are exceptionally adaptable perennials that provide a wave of summer color with very little fuss, forming robust clumps of arching, grass-like foliage.

'Mauna Loa' is a classic tetraploid daylily, celebrated for its large, 6-inch blooms in a rich, glowing shade of coppery orange-gold with a darker halo, evoking a tropical sunset.

Uses & Benefits:

The glowing, coppery-gold flowers of 'Mauna Loa' bring a touch of the tropics to the garden. Its large, sun-fast blooms create a powerful visual impact and contribute to a warm, vibrant color scheme.

This is a tough, reliable perennial that multiplies well, providing a cost-effective way to fill large areas with summer color. Its drought tolerance once established makes it a low-water-use option.

The bright, open-faced flowers are easily accessible to a wide range of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The rich color is also highly attractive to hummingbirds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

22 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived perennial

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans, but toxic to cats

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun for the best flowering.
Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches.
Incorporate a 2-inch layer of compost.
Dig a hole wide enough for the roots to spread out.
Set the crown no more than one inch below the soil surface.
Backfill, water well, and apply mulch.

Pro Tip

The rich, warm color of 'Mauna Loa' pairs exceptionally well with blue or purple flowers like Salvia, Nepeta, or Perovskia.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during prolonged dry spells.
Deadhead spent flowers to keep the plant looking tidy.
Remove yellowing leaves as they appear.
Divide when the center of the clump becomes woody or less productive.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained soil.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.
Don't bury the crown when planting or mulching.
Avoid cutting back healthy green foliage during the growing season.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rich, warm tones for a sunny borderBold drifts of color in mass plantingsClassic pairing with blue and purple perennials

Companion Plants

Perovskia atriplicifolia Salvia 'Caradonna'Echinops ritro Heliopsis helianthoides Pennisetum alopecuroides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mauna Loa Daylily questions

What zones can Mauna Loa Daylily grow in?

Mauna Loa 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 Mauna Loa Daylily deer resistant?

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

When does Mauna Loa Daylily bloom?

Mauna Loa Daylily 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 Mauna Loa Daylily need full sun?

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

Is Mauna Loa Daylily drought tolerant?

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