Beauty for a day. Really?

Yes. Hemerocallis is the botanical name for daylily.

Originally from Japan, China, eastern Europe and western Asia, these almost pest-free perennials have made it to our gardens and roadsides. They last so well that often an unexpected clump can signal the remains of an abandoned farmhouse.

From a small fountain of straplike leaves, stems or scapes emerge grow upright. At the end of each, clusters of buds will open, one at a time, into lily-like flowers. Every flower should last for a single day; next day, another of those buds will open, bloom and fade by nightfall.

That’s not quite true because daylilies may vary in form, habit and size. Some hostesses have learned which kinds bloom late into the evening and so, may be used in dinner-table centerpieces. Although some stems may rise to five feet, others grow only to 12 inches.

According to variety, daylilies may bloom from May to June, June to July, July to August. Some may flower early and — when late summer temperatures are the same as early summer — may re-bloom.

Most people know the tawny-blossomed daylilies. Early-flowering Hemerocallis fulva is a herald of summer, often known as lemon lily because of its fresh scent. An older type — perfumed ‘Hyperion’ — has clear yellow blooms.

When gardeners found how easily daylilies could be bred, many began producing hybrids. For some people daylily-breeding has become a hobby. Others have developed businesses. Every year, more and more kinds are available. Because they are so easy to care for, they’re popular. Now, one can find daylilies with rose, violet or brick red flowers. Orange, cherry red and ivory are other colors. There’s lavender. The only color not found yet is blue.

Plant daylilies in full or part sun, where soil can hold some moisture. Add well-aged compost to the holes. If you make your own, use it; until you can age some, you’ll need to buy it. Water well, but don’t turn the area into a swamp. Mulch each plant with straw or old seaweed without crowding it.

There’s more to tell. Questions?