Citron Daylily

Citron Daylily (Hemerocallis citrina)

Citron Daylily is a graceful species daylily valued for its tall habit, fragrant lemon-yellow flowers, and unusual evening bloom cycle. It brings a softer, more natural look to the garden than many modern hybrids, making it especially useful where you want a planting to feel relaxed, classic, and lightly meadow-like. Its tall flowering stems and arching foliage help it add height and movement without feeling coarse. In sunny borders, naturalized plantings, and cottage-style gardens, it offers dependable summer beauty with a distinctive character.

Distinctive Features

Citron Daylily is prized for its trumpet-shaped lemon-yellow flowers, sweet fragrance, and nocturnal blooming habit. The blooms are typically about 6 inches across and open near sunset, remaining attractive through the night and into the following morning, which sets this species apart from standard daytime-blooming daylilies. Flowers are carried on tall scapes that can reach about 36 to 45 inches above a thick clump of arching blade-like foliage. Its species character gives it a more elegant and airy look than many heavier-flowered hybrid daylilies.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Plant in full sun for the best flowering, though light shade is tolerated, especially in hotter regions.
• Soil: Grow in average, well-drained soil, though it adapts well to a range of garden soils.
• Water: Provide moderate water during establishment, then maintain average moisture, with best performance from more consistent moisture.
• Zones: Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9.
• Habit: Expect a clump-forming perennial with arching strap-like foliage and tall upright flower scapes.

Ideal Uses

• Perennial Borders: Use it in sunny mixed borders where the tall lemon-yellow flowers can add height and a more natural species look.
• Focal Point: Place it in a visible section of the bed where its tall fragrant blooms and evening-opening flowers can create a memorable seasonal highlight.
• Naturalized Plantings: Plant it in drifts where its graceful habit and species character can create a looser, more relaxed effect.
• Cottage Gardens: Add it to informal plantings where its tall scapes and fragrant flowers fit a traditional garden style.
• Moon Gardens: Use it in evening-focused plantings where the pale yellow blooms and nighttime opening habit can be appreciated after sunset.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly during establishment, then provide supplemental moisture during extended dry periods for best flowering.
• Deadheading: Remove spent blooms and old scapes to keep the plant tidy and improve appearance through the season.
• Division: Divide clumps every few years if needed to maintain vigor and support strong flowering.
• Cleanup: Remove worn foliage in late season or early spring to refresh the clump.
• Feeding: A light spring feeding can support healthy foliage and stronger bloom without pushing excessive soft growth.

Why Choose Citron Daylily?

• Evening Bloom Habit: Flowers open near sunset, giving the garden a different rhythm and more nighttime interest than typical daylilies.
• Fragrant Flowers: Sweet scent adds another layer of garden appeal beyond flower color alone.
• Tall Graceful Form: Its longer scapes and species habit bring height and movement to sunny borders and naturalized plantings.
• Soft Lemon Color: The clear yellow blooms brighten the garden without the stronger intensity of deeper gold or orange daylilies.
• Classic Garden Value: Its species character and dependable performance make it a useful and distinctive perennial for long-term plantings.

Citron Daylily is an excellent choice for gardeners who want a daylily with fragrance, height, and a more unusual flowering habit. Its evening-opening blooms and graceful species form give it a character that feels different from standard hybrid daylilies, while its easy care keeps it practical for everyday landscapes. In sunny borders, naturalized drifts, and moon gardens, it brings a refined and memorable summer display.