How to Grow Daylily 'Cherry Cheeks'
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Daylily 'Cherry Cheeks'
Hemerocallis 'Cherry Cheeks'
flowerCherry Cheeks is a popular daylily cultivar known for its vibrant red-orange flowers with a contrasting yellow throat and deep red eye zone. Each bloom lasts only one day, but the plant produces numerous buds that flower sequentially over many weeks. This deciduous to semi-evergreen perennial is prized for its striking color combination and reliable garden performance.
When should you plant Daylily 'Cherry Cheeks' in your zone?
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Example Daylily 'Cherry Cheeks' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Daylily 'Cherry Cheeks'
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 Daylily 'Cherry Cheeks' blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Daylily 'Cherry Cheeks' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; highly cold hardy and adaptable to most climates
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Get my Daylily 'Cherry Cheeks' timeline →Growth Stages
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeks before first budsPlant develops dense clumps of long, arching foliage 18-24 inches tall; no flowers yet
Provide consistent moisture and light feeding with balanced fertilizer. Remove any flower buds to encourage foliage development in first year.
Budding & Blooming
6-8 weeks with continuous sequential openingTall flower scapes emerge from clump with multiple buds. Cherry-red buds open into red-orange flowers with yellow throats and deep red eye markings
Deadhead spent flowers daily (they close at night and drop). Water regularly during bloom. Apply diluted balanced fertilizer weekly to support prolonged flowering.
Peak Flowering & Maintenance
4-6 weeks at peak bloomMature clumps produce 15-30+ blooms per day; scapes continue to extend with fresh buds opening daily
Maintain consistent watering. Fertilize every 2 weeks. Keep removing dead flowers. Stake scapes if they become too heavy or droopy.
Post-Bloom & Dormancy
Several weeks through fall and winterFlower production slows and eventually stops. Foliage may yellow and decline in late summer/fall (deciduous varieties)
Allow foliage to die back naturally to nourish roots. Cut back completely in late fall or early spring. Divide crowded clumps every 3-4 years in early spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or strong water spray; beneficial insects usually keep in check
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Increase humidity by misting; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe
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and
Remove debris for hiding spots; use beer traps, copper tape barriers, or diatomaceous earth
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Remove and destroy infested buds; apply spinosad if widespread; maintain plant vigor
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Spray with neem oil or spinosad; ensure good air circulation
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryDaylily buds and open flowers are edible with a tender, slightly sweet flavor. Buds can be stir-fried, pickled, or added fresh to salads. They are a traditional ingredient in Asian cuisine. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalIn traditional Chinese medicine, daylily flowers are used to support eye health and promote calm. The plant contains polysaccharides and antioxidant compounds. [source]
Cut Flower Decoration
HouseholdThe vibrant red-orange blooms with yellow throats make stunning daytime cut flowers for table arrangements and floral displays. Cut scapes in the morning and change water daily. [source]
Pollinator Attractor
WildlifeCherry Cheeks flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies throughout the long blooming season, making it an excellent choice for wildlife gardens. [source]
Garden Landscape Design
CraftThe striking color combination and long blooming period make Cherry Cheeks ideal for perennial borders, mass plantings, and mixed flower gardens. Excellent for adding color to tough, sunny spots. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not typically harvested; grown for ornamental display. Cut flowers can be brought indoors but last only one day. Cut long scapes with multiple buds in morning for the longest vase life and more buds opening indoors.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'daylily' comes from the fact that each flower blooms for only one day; however, a mature plant can produce 100+ flowers over a season with multiple scapes blooming simultaneously.
- 🌱 There are over 80,000 registered daylily cultivars worldwide, making them one of the most hybridized ornamental plants; new varieties are registered every year.
- 🌱 Cherry Cheeks is a tetraploid daylily, meaning it has four sets of chromosomes instead of two, which contributes to its larger flowers and more robust growth compared to diploid varieties.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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