Hemerocallis middendorffii aka Amur Day Lily

Hemerocallis middendorffii is the Amur daylily. It belongs to the Asphodelaceae family. Its native range spans the Russian Far East, China and Japan. It grows in regions with a temperate climate and forms lasting clumps. This plant lives for years, with soft rather than woody growth. It grows upright, and its leaves arch. The RHS says it sheds its leaves each year. Chicago Botanic Garden notes that leaves may stay in mild climates.

Garden plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet (0.5–1 metre) tall and wide. The RHS gives about 2.5 feet (0.76 metres) as a usual height. Its green leaves are long, thin and shaped like straps. Flowers range from golden yellow to orange, with a faint scent. Each bloom lasts one day. Each stalk holds several buds, which open in turn. This keeps the flower show going for more than two weeks. The sources call it an early-flowering daylily with summer blooms. Chicago lists bloom months from July through October.

Choose a sunny site for the best show of flowers. It also grows in part shade. Deeper shade, though, can mean fewer blooms. Chicago lists shade sites, but its text supports sun to part shade. The RHS advises rich soil that stays moist but drains well. It grows in clay, loam, sand and chalk, even in poorer soil. It also grows in acid, neutral and alkaline soils. Water in dry spells from spring into early summer to help it bloom. The RHS rates it H6; Chicago lists USDA zones 3–9.

Use this plant in beds, borders or as ground cover. The RHS also suggests sites near the coast and informal cottage gardens. Clumps take two to five years to reach full size. Divide plants in early spring or early autumn. Cut down spent flower stems once blooms have ended. Remove dead leaves as needed. Chicago calls the plant easy to grow. Its arching leaves and warm flower colours suit mixed plantings.

Watch for aphids, slugs, snails, thrips and daylily gall midge. Glasshouse red spider mites may attack it too. Diseases may include fungal leaf spot, rust and bacterial rot. This rot can harm both leaves and stems. Chicago says people can eat flowers and leaves free from pesticides. This does not show that pets can eat them safely. The RHS warns that the plant is toxic to cats.