Hemerocallis flava L.

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘This Genus has been called Hemerocallis, in English, Day Lily, from the short duration of its blossoms, but these are not quite so fugacious in this species as in the fulva.  It very rarely happens that Linnaeus, in his specific character of a plant, has recourse to colour, he has however in this instance; but this seems to arise from his considering them rather as varieties, than species.  To us they appear to be perfectly distinct, and in addition to several other characters, the flava is distinguished by the fragrance of its blossoms.  This species is an inhabitant of Hungary and Siberia, and consequently bears our climate exceedingly well; it requires a moist soil, and a situation somewhat shady, and is easily propagated by parting its roots in autumn.’  [BM t.19/1787].  Introduced to Britain in 1596.  [JD].  Although once considered a native of eastern Europe, European plants are probably naturalised.

History at Camden Park

Received per ‘Sovereign’ February 1831.  [MP A2948].  Still found in the gardens but the relationship of present plants to the originals is unknown.  Interestingly this hardy and easily grown plant was never listed in the catalogues.

Notes