Each scape typically supports 20 to 40 blossoms that open over a number of weeks. Each blossom is only open for one day, thus the name Daylily . All parts of the plant are edible. The flower buds and petals make an attractive garnish for salads. Unopened blossoms can be fried.
Daylilies are native to Asia.
They have been grown as ornamental plants and for food and medicines for over 4,000 years. Modern daylilies are an American invention. A. B. Stout, of the New York Botanical Garden, started cross-breeding wild varieties almost 100 years ago. Today, there are approximately 13,000 varieties for sale. These perennials are not only lovely and durable, but they can be planted anytime from Spring through Fall.