Asiatic Lily vs. Daylily: Key Differences to Know

Popular lily varieties for gardens worldwide include the beautiful and beloved daylilies and Asiatic lilies. Between daylilies and other types of lilies, there are both parallels and distinctions. One of the simplest lilies to grow is the Asiatic kind. Asiatic lilies are a vibrant addition to any garden and are exceptionally resilient, soil-type indifferent, and stake-free. Daylilies are frequently referred to as the ideal perennial because they require little upkeep and can grow in practically any type of soil. The care and cultivation of daylilies and Asiatic lilies are similar, yet they differ greatly in other ways.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between these two beloved flowers.

Comparing Asiatic Lily vs. Daylily

The Key Differences Between Asiatic Lily and Daylily

Asiatic lilies and daylilies are completely different plants. To start, Asiatic lilies are actually lilies, while daylilies are not lilies at all despite their common name. Daylilies are able to grow in all agricultural hardiness zones in the United States, while Asiatic lilies can only grow in Zones 3 through 10.

Asiatic lilies are grown via bulbs and only have single stems, while daylilies are grown via tuberous roots and have multiple stems. Asiatic have non-layered petals and six anthers, while daylilies have layered petals and two anthers. The leaves of the Asiatic lily form a spiral-like shape along the stem, while the daylily’s leaves form flat blades near the soil line. Asiatic lilies form trumpet-shaped blooms that appear round or funnel-like, while daylilies form blooms that can be circular to triangular to pointed in shape. Asiatic lilies take about a week to bloom, while daylilies only require a single day.

With these differences in mind, daylilies and Asiatic lilies do have some similarities. They both have six petals per bloom and approximately six stamens, though daylilies can grow up to seven stamens. Just as well, both of these plants are used ornamentally for their beautiful flowers.

Asiatic Lily vs. Daylily: Classification

Asiatic lilies are classified as Lilium spp. and are part of the Liliaceae family. They are related to hundreds of other flowering plants in this plant family. Daylilies are classified as Hemerocallis spp., part of the Asphodelaceae family. They are related to succulents.

Asiatic Lily vs. Daylily: Description

Asiatic lilies are considered true lilies of the genus Lilium. The trumpet-shaped flowers occur in practically every color imaginable. Bright, showy blossoms are excitingly contrasted with the pointed, stark-green leaves. Hybrid Asiatic lilies are frequently multiplied using bulbs. They are more resilient and almost trouble-free, and bloom earlier and longer than other lily kinds. These gorgeous perennials have a maximum height of five feet.

Daylilies are part of the genus Hemerocallis. Members of this genus produce short-lived funnel-shaped or bell-shaped blooms with long-stalked clusters that range in color from yellow to crimson. They have a one-day blooming period, therefore their name. In addition, daylilies have thick roots and sword-shaped, narrow leaves that are gathered at the plant’s base. The fruit of the daylily is a capsule. Daylilies can also be used medicinally as a laxative when boiled into tea.

Asiatic Lily vs. Daylily: Uses

Asiatic lilies are mainly employed in floral tasks like flower arrangements and flower gardens. The usage of ground lily bulbs combined with honey for therapeutic purposes during the Middle Ages included the treatment of illnesses, snake bites, baldness, and wrinkles.

Like Asiatic lilies, daylilies are mostly used as ornaments. They are not only a lovely and low-maintenance perennial, but they are also quite helpful in tricky weed situations. Many daylily types are utilized as colorful groundcover and weed prevention because they spread quickly.

Asiatic Lily vs. Daylily: Origin

As the name implies, Asiatic lilies are indigenous to Asia and are grown there in many countries, most notably in China and Japan. Despite being quite appealing, lilies in general and Asiatic lilies, in particular, have a reputation for being among the most challenging garden plants to grow. One of the first hybridizers who set out to create tougher, trouble-free lily cultivars was Cornelius de Graaf. His great-grandson Jan de Graaf worked tirelessly for decades, and the result was the Asiatic lily’s spawn.

Nearly the entire Asian continent is home to daylilies. They arrived in Europe by the 18th century, where plant aficionados rapidly took to them. Daylily tubers were transported to the New World by European colonists, and by the early 1800s, the flowers had become native to their new environment.

Asiatic Lily vs. Daylily: How to Grow

Growing and planting Asiatic lilies is not too difficult. Planting in the late summer or fall enables the bulb to develop a strong root system prior to starting to grow the following spring. In loose, well-drained soil in sun to partial shade, Asiatic lilies thrive. Bulb rot is more likely when they are left in wet soil. By incorporating compost or other organic material into the garden bed, you can change the soil’s makeup.

Plant bulbs flat end down, three times as deep as the height of the bulb. In order to promote larger blooms, some gardeners suggest top-dressing the soil with fish emulsion or compost tea in the spring. As the blossoms on Asiatic lilies deteriorate, remove them. The old leaves assist the bulb to acquire nutrients for the flowers of the following year, so keep the foliage in the bed until it becomes brown. Asiatic lily bulbs can also be planted in containers in the winter for blooming in the spring.

The best daylilies are those that are grown in full sun with moist yet well-drained soil. Dark-colored varieties should get some afternoon shade in hot regions to keep their bloom color. Daylilies require little maintenance and will bloom for years when planted in the right spot. They only need an annual addition of compost for fertilizing. Daylilies should be planted in the North in the spring so they have plenty of time to establish themselves before winter. However, because daylilies are such hardy plants, they may often be planted anytime from spring through October in the North.

Before planting, add compost to the soil. Plants should be spaced 12 to 18 inches apart, with the crown positioned approximately an inch below the soil’s surface. To keep moisture in the soil and stop weeds from growing, water thoroughly and cover the mulch with bark or straw. Young transplants should be kept weed-free and well-watered for the first year even though they are resilient once they are established.

Asiatic Lily vs. Daylily: Special Features

Asiatic lilies are cultivated for their nearly perfect, brightly colored blossoms, which can reach a diameter of six inches. A few cultivars have a faint scent, but most don’t. The Asiatic lily attracts lots of different types of insects with its vibrant blossoms and sweet nectar, making it the perfect plant for pollinators. Some lily species are pollinated by the wind, while others are by bees.

Daylilies are known as one of the most adaptable plants on the planet, as they can withstand virtually any hardiness zone. In addition to being temperature-adaptable, they also do well in a variety of climates. They work effectively in both chilly, damp areas and hot, dry ones. Since daylilies spread quickly, almost any variety can be used to stabilize soil. Daylilies are believed to come in over 80,000 different types, and new ones are being created every year.

While the daylily and Asiatic lily might be very different types of flowers, they are both popular in flower arranging and ornamental growing for a reason. These flowers are absolutely stunning when in full bloom. If you want to plant a flower garden that can really stun a spectator, then consider planting both Asiatic lilies and daylilies in your garden.

Bonus: Lilies Are Highly Toxic to Cats

Lilies are lovely flowers that often attract the curiosity of our feline friends. Unfortunately, cats can die from ingesting the tiniest pollen grain that has fallen on its coat during grooming. The entire plant is toxic – stem, leaves, flowers, pollen, and even water in a vase. The toxin only affects cats and causes minor stomach upset in dogs. Cats will develop fatal kidney failure within three days if they aren’t treated by a vet immediately.

Early signs of lily toxicity include decreased activity level, drooling, vomiting, and loss of appetite. These symptoms can start right after ingestion and damage kidneys within 12 to 24 hours. Kidney failure can begin within 24 – 72 hours. Treatment delayed by 18 hours or more has less chance of reversing kidney failure caused by lily toxins and can lead to death.

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