Lilies are bulbous plants, while daylilies have fleshy roots.
True lilies also have leaves borne alternately or in whorls, while the daylily has leaves attached to a central basal crown. Out of some 15 original species of Hemerocallis imported from central Europe and the Orient, few are commercially produced today. Over 20,000 hybrids do exist, and improvements in plant habit, flower form, and color have made these hybrids quite desirable as garden plants. Although daylilies tolerate poor care or neglect because of their tough, resilient nature, best growth and flowering are obtained by using the following cultural procedures. Sandy or heavy clay soils can be improved prior to planting, to a depth of 12 inches, by incorporating amendments such as sphagnum peat moss, bark mulch, or composted leaves.