How to Grow Golden Anniversary
Wikimedia Commons
Golden Anniversary
Hemerocallis 'Golden Anniversary'
flowerGolden Anniversary is a diploid daylily cultivar known for its bright golden-yellow flowers with a darker golden-red eye zone and ruffled petal edges. This deciduous to semi-evergreen perennial produces multiple blooms on sturdy scapes throughout the growing season. It's a reliable, low-maintenance garden performer that returns reliably year after year.
When should you plant Golden Anniversary in your zone?
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Example Golden Anniversary timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Golden Anniversary
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 Golden Anniversary blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Golden Anniversary dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8
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Get my Golden Anniversary timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
3-4 weeksNewly planted transplant or rhizome sends up first shoots and develops root system
Water regularly to keep soil moist; avoid fertilizer for first 4-6 weeks; mulch lightly around base
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksPlant produces tall, strap-like foliage clumps and multiple flower scapes begin to emerge
Continue regular watering; apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) monthly; remove any dead leaves
Blooming
6-10 weeks (throughout season)Multiple golden-yellow flowers with distinctive eye zone open sequentially; each bloom lasts one day
Deadhead spent blooms daily to encourage continuous flowering; maintain consistent moisture; stake tall scapes if needed
Summer Dormancy/Late Season
4-6 weeksFoliage may yellow or decline; flowering slows; plant enters rest period
Reduce watering gradually; stop fertilizing; allow foliage to decline naturally
Winter Dormancy
3-4 monthsFoliage dies back completely (deciduous type); plant rests underground
Cut back dead foliage to ground level; apply 2-3 inches of mulch in cold zones; do not water
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water stream; use insecticidal soap if severe; introduce ladybugs
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Increase humidity; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; avoid over-fertilizing
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Remove damaged flowers; use yellow sticky traps; apply neem oil in early morning or evening
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and
Handpick in evening; apply diatomaceous earth; use copper tape or slug bait around plant base
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryDaylily buds and open flowers are edible with a slightly sweet, vegetable-like flavor. They can be added to salads, stir-fries, or used as a garnish for gourmet dishes. In Asian cuisine, dried daylily buds (called 'gum jum') are a traditional ingredient. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalDaylilies have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to promote calmness and reduce inflammation. Some herbalists use the flowers and tubers in remedies, though scientific validation remains limited. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
HouseholdGolden Anniversary produces excellent long-lasting garden cut flowers for fresh arrangements. Cut scapes in early morning and enjoy continuous blooms throughout the vase life. [source]
Drying and Pressing
CraftFlowers and foliage can be pressed for botanical crafts, herbals, or artistic projects. Dried flowers retain golden color well and are suitable for framed displays or mixed media. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeDaylily flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making them valuable for supporting pollinator populations in the garden. [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 ornamental flowers meant for garden display; cut blooms for fresh arrangements in early morning when fully open. Individual flowers fade by evening and are not harvested commercially. For seed collection, allow mature seed pods to dry on plant, then harvest when brown and dry.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Daylilies earned their name because each flower opens in the morning and closes by evening, living only one day. However, they produce multiple buds on each scape, ensuring continuous blooms over weeks.
- 🌱 Golden Anniversary was registered as a daylily cultivar in the late 20th century and exemplifies modern daylily breeding programs that emphasize eye patterns, ruffled edges, and extended blooming periods.
- 🌱 Despite the common name 'lily,' daylilies are not true lilies; they belong to the family Xanthorrhoeaceae, whereas true lilies are in Liliaceae. They are far more cold-hardy and drought-tolerant than true lilies.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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