Hemerocallis forrestii

Hemerocallis forrestii, or Forrest's daylily, belongs to the Asphodelaceae family. It comes from southwest Sichuan and northwest Yunnan in China. This perennial grows in a temperate climate. Its wild sites include woods, grassy slopes, and limestone cliffs. Records also place it on dry ridges and rocky banks. These habitats range from low sites to high mountain slopes.

The plant forms clumps and keeps its leaves through winter. Its long, narrow leaves arch out from the clump. They have a mid-green colour and a strap-like shape. Garden plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall. Their spread ranges from 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. They take two to five years to reach full size. The small blooms are yellow, with some a deeper mid-yellow. The roots have fleshy, swollen parts near their tips.

Give this daylily fertile soil that stays moist but drains well. Full sun suits it best and helps it flower well. It also grows in part shade, though blooms may be sparse. It accepts sand, loam, chalk, and heavy clay. Poorer soils are also suitable. Soil may be acid, neutral, or alkaline. Water during dry spells in spring and early summer to support flowering. RHS rates its hardiness H6; PFAF lists USDA zones 4–8.

Use it in beds, borders, or an informal cottage garden. RHS also lists it for coastal gardens. PFAF suggests sunny woodland edges and sites with dappled shade. Divide clumps in early spring or early autumn. Cut spent flower stems back, and clear away dead leaves. Aphids, slugs, snails, and thrips may attack it. Other possible pests include daylily gall midge and glasshouse red spider mite. Disease risks include rust, fungal leaf spots, and bacterial leaf and stem rot.

PFAF records food uses for young leaves, shoots, flowers, buds, and roots. Older leaves and shoots become too fibrous for these uses. It also reports harmful effects from eating large amounts of leaves. Its account of blanching does not give a clear safety method. RHS warns that the plant is toxic to cats. These reports do not establish safe food preparation. PFAF records traditional medicinal uses for the roots, not proven treatments. People also plait the dried, tough leaves into cord for footwear.