perennial

Kwanso Daylily

Hemerocallis fulva 'Kwanso'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hemerocallis fulva, the common orange daylily or ditch lily, is a vigorous, spreading perennial with arching, strap-like leaves. It is known for its extreme toughness and ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions.

'Kwanso' is a triploid cultivar distinguished by its large, double, orange-red flowers. It is exceptionally vigorous, spreading aggressively by rhizomes, and is often seen naturalized in large colonies. It also exists in a form with variegated foliage ('Kwanso Variegata').

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesBright orange flowers enliven garden borders and attract pollinators.
Practical UsesLow-maintenance perennial suitable for borders and container planting.
Ecological BenefitsSupports bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, enhancing local biodiversity.
SpeciesHemerocallis fulvaCommon Orange Daylily

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

36 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to cats

Bloom period

Mid-summer

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck dormant roots 1 inch deep in well-draining soil.
  2. Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil.
  3. Fertilize with balanced fertilizer in early spring.
  4. Divide every 3–4 years in early spring or late fall.
  5. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  6. Remove dead foliage in late fall or early spring.

Pro Tip

Plant in full sun for optimal flowering and ensure well-draining soil.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
  • Divide clumps every 3–4 years
  • Fertilize in spring for best bloom
  • Remove spent flowers to encourage rebloom

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
  • Don’t plant too deeply, keep crown at soil level
  • Resist heavy pruning in late fall
  • Don’t neglect dividing when overcrowded

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Divide
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vibrant border plantPerennial garden accent

Companion Plants

SalviaCoreopsisEchinaceaLavender Russian sage

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Kwanso Daylily questions

What zones can Kwanso Daylily grow in?

Kwanso 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 Kwanso Daylily deer resistant?

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

When does Kwanso Daylily bloom?

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

Does Kwanso Daylily need full sun?

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

Is Kwanso Daylily drought tolerant?

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

Keep exploring

Grow Kwanso 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.