Citron daylily
Hemerocallis citrina
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 87E8 — Hemerocallis citrina
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IOverview
Overview
Citron daylily (Hemerocallis citrina) is a perennial plant native to regions including Amur, China North-Central, and Korea. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate various soil types ranging from light sandy to heavy clay, with an ideal pH between 4.8 and 8. Known for its edible parts—flowers, leaves, roots, and shoots—the citron daylily is a versatile plant both in the garden and on the plate. Its adaptability to different habitats makes it a valuable addition to landscapes across its native range. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow up to 0.8 meters tall while thriving in environments ranging from dry to moist conditions, showcasing its resilience and versatility.
Quick answers
What is Citron daylily?
Citron daylily (Hemerocallis citrina) is a perennial plant native to regions including Amur, China North-Central, and Korea. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate various soil types ranging from light sandy to heavy clay, with an ideal pH between 4.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Citron daylily thrives in full to partial sun and prefers well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is drought-tolerant but can also handle moist conditions. The plant grows best in pH levels between 4.8 and 8. Hardy from zones 4-8, it requires minimal watering once established. Propagate through division of the rhizomes in early spring or fall for new plants. Harvest its edible parts, including flowers, leaves, roots, and shoots, throughout the growing season.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.8 m tall
Soil pH
4.8–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Citron daylily for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple and low-maintenance approach to growing Citron daylilies.
- 1
What you'll need
A shovel, garden gloves, and some mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil drains well. Amend with compost if necessary.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Divide mature clumps or plant individual bulbs in early spring or fall.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid rotting roots and keep the soil slightly moist.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week, especially during dry spells. Mulch around plants for winter protection.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage in late winter to maintain plant health and appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting mulching, not dividing clumps every few years, and using chemical fertilizers.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesRootShoots
Edible uses: Citron daylily is edible and its flowers, leaves, roots, and shoots can be consumed. The flowers are often eaten raw or used in salads. Leaves can be cooked like spinach. Roots and shoots are typically boiled before use. All parts can also be dried for later consumption. Skip the preparation of specific recipes as no detailed instructions are provided.
Other uses:Weaving materialFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
8 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
8 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 8 native
Asia3 regions
native (3)ChinaJapanSouth Korea
Broader regions
native:Amur, Primorye
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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