How to Grow Corduroy Daylily
Corduroy Daylily
Hemerocallis 'Corduroy'
flowerCorduroy Daylily is a popular ornamental perennial cultivar known for its distinctive ruffled petals and rich, deep burgundy to purple flowers with contrasting lighter midrib coloring. Each bloom lasts only one day, but the plant produces numerous buds ensuring continuous flowering throughout the growing season. This cultivar is prized for its textured appearance and robust growing habit.
When should you plant Corduroy Daylily in your zone?
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Example Corduroy Daylily timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Corduroy Daylily
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Corduroy Daylily blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with excellent performance in zones 4-8
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Get my Corduroy Daylily timeline →Growth Stages
Dormant/Emergence
2-4 weeksPlants emerge from dormancy as shoots break through the soil in early to mid-spring
Clear away winter mulch as growth begins. Apply slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksStrap-like foliage grows vigorously, forming dense clumps of arching leaves
Maintain consistent moisture during active growth. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Divide crowded clumps if needed.
Bud Formation
2-4 weeksTall scapes (flowering stems) emerge above the foliage with multiple branching points forming buds
Ensure adequate watering and sunlight. Provide support stakes in windy locations if needed. Avoid overfeeding with nitrogen to prevent excessive foliage.
Flowering
6-10 weeksRuffled burgundy-purple flowers with lighter midribs open in succession from June through August, each bloom lasting one day
Deadhead spent blooms daily for tidiness (optional but encourages continued flowering). Continue watering during dry spells. Monitor for pests.
Post-Bloom/Dormancy Preparation
6-12 weeksFlowering slows as days shorten; foliage may yellow; plants gradually enter dormancy
Cut back foliage to 6 inches after the first hard frost or when fully dormant. Apply light mulch for winter protection in colder zones. No fertilizing needed.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove infected foliage, improve air circulation, apply fungicide if severe, avoid overhead watering
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Spray with water, apply insecticidal soap, encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Increase humidity, spray with water, apply neem oil in severe cases
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and
Hand-pick, use copper tape barriers, apply slug bait, encourage ground beetles
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryDaylily buds and flowers are edible and have been used in Asian cuisine for centuries. They can be stir-fried, steamed, or used fresh in salads with a delicate, slightly sweet flavor. [source]
Dried Buds (Gum Jum)
CulinaryIn Chinese cuisine, dried daylily buds (also called golden needles or gum jum) are a valued ingredient in soups and stir-fries, prized for their texture and subtle flavor. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalTraditional Chinese medicine uses daylily flowers and buds to promote calmness and support digestive health. They are believed to have cooling properties. [source]
Ornamental Garden Display
HouseholdCorduroy Daylily is primarily grown as an ornamental perennial for garden beds, borders, and landscape plantings, providing sustained color throughout summer with minimal care. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeDaylily flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems while providing aesthetic garden interest. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Daylilies are not harvested for consumption or cutting as they wilt quickly. Enjoy them in the garden where they bloom. Blooms last only one day; enjoy them fresh in the morning or early evening when fully open. Divide clumps every 3-4 years in spring or early fall for propagation and rejuvenation.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'daylily' refers to the fact that each individual bloom lasts exactly one day—opening in the morning and closing by evening—yet the plant produces numerous buds ensuring continuous flowering.
- 🌱 Daylilies have been cultivated for over 2,000 years, originally in Asia, and are now the fourth most popular perennial in North American gardens after hostas, daylilies themselves (as a category), and coneflowers.
- 🌱 The 'Corduroy' cultivar was named for its distinctive textured, ruffled petals that resemble the fabric, and it remains a favorite among daylily enthusiasts for its striking color and repeat-blooming habit.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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