Have you ever seen a flower that seems to greet the sun with a fresh face each morning, only to fade as evening arrives? That fleeting, yet ever-renewing beauty belongs to the daylily. It’s a flower that reminds us that every day is a new start.
But beyond its daily cycle, there's a much deeper meaning of the daylily flower that makes it a truly special gift. Let's unpack the story behind this charming bloom.
What Is a Daylily, Really?
A daylily is a flowering plant from the genus Hemerocallis, a name derived from Greek words meaning "day" and "beauty". True to its name, each individual flower typically lasts for only about 24 hours. However, a single stalk, known as a scape, can produce numerous buds that open on successive days, ensuring a continuous display of colour for weeks.
Despite its name and appearance, the daylily is not a true lily (genus Lilium). It’s a resilient and cheerful plant that offers a constant cycle of renewal, with new blooms replacing the old ones each day. This unique characteristic is central to its symbolism and charm in a floral arrangement.
The Deeper Meaning of Daylily
The daylily is a flower bursting with positive symbolism, and its beauty goes far beyond its vibrant petals. Its fleeting nature isn't about loss, but about the profound beauty of the present moment and the unwavering promise of a new day. Giving or receiving daylilies carries several beautiful messages, each tied to the flower's unique character.
A Tribute to Motherhood
Perhaps the most significant meaning of daylily comes from Chinese culture, where it is known as wàng yōu cǎo, which translates to "forget-sorrow grass." It was traditionally given to mothers, symbolising a wish for them to forget their worries and find joy.
This makes the daylily a wonderfully thoughtful and unique flower for Mother's Day, or as a gift to a new mum, representing a mother's selfless and enduring love.
A Fresh Start, Every Single Day
The daylily's most obvious trait is its daily cycle of renewal. A new flower opens each morning as the old one fades, serving as a powerful symbol for new beginnings.
It’s the perfect flower to give someone starting a new job, moving into a new home, or embarking on a new chapter in their life. It’s a floral reminder that no matter what happened yesterday, today offers a fresh, beautiful start.
Playfulness and Simple Joy
With their open, trumpet-like blooms and a spectrum of sunny, cheerful colours, daylilies radiate a sense of lightheartedness.
They aren't as formal as a rose or as exotic as an orchid. Instead, they represent simple, uncomplicated happiness and the joy found in everyday moments. Their presence can brighten any room and bring a smile to anyone's face.
Quiet Devotion and Affection
While a red rose might shout of passionate love, the daylily speaks of a different kind of affection. It represents a quiet, steadfast, and unassuming devotion. Its consistent blooming, day after day, reflects a reliable and gentle love, whether it's for a partner, a family member, or a dear friend.
How to Care for Daylilies in a Vase
Getting daylilies in a bouquet is a unique and rewarding experience. You get to watch a new flower present itself each day! Though each bloom is short-lived, you can enjoy the succession of flowers for many days with a little proper care. Think of it as nurturing a story that unfolds over time.
To get the most out of your daylily arrangement, follow these simple steps. This ensures that the other buds on the stalk have the best chance to open and display their beauty day after day.
1. Give the Stems a Fresh Trim
Upon receiving your bouquet, use a sharp pair of scissors or secateurs to trim about 2-3 cm off the bottom of the stems. Cutting them at a 45-degree angle creates a larger surface area for water absorption and prevents the stems from sitting flat on the bottom of the vase.
2. Choose a Sparkling Clean Vase
Bacteria are the biggest enemy of fresh flowers as they clog the stems and prevent them from drinking water. Make sure your vase is thoroughly washed with soap and water to remove any residue from previous bouquets.
3. Provide Fresh Water and Flower Food
Daylilies are thirsty flowers, so fill your clean vase with cool, fresh water. If your bouquet includes a sachet of flower food, be sure to use it. This little packet is specially formulated to provide essential nutrients and includes an antibacterial agent, which helps the buds develop and open properly.
4. Change the Water Daily
This is the most important step for longevity. Tossing out the old water and adding fresh water every day gets rid of any growing bacteria and gives your daylilies a clean drink. It’s a simple two-minute task that can make a world of difference.
5. Gently Remove Faded Blooms
Each morning, check your arrangement for any flowers that have wilted overnight. Gently pinch or snip off these spent blooms. This is known as "deadheading," and it not only keeps your bouquet looking fresh and tidy but also encourages the plant to direct its energy towards the remaining unopened buds.
6. Find the Perfect Spot
Where you place your vase matters. Keep your daylilies out of direct, harsh sunlight and away from heat sources like radiators or electronics. Also, avoid placing them near a fruit bowl. Ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which can cause flowers to age and wilt much faster. A cool spot with indirect light is ideal.
Conclusion About the Meaning of the Daylily Flower
The daylily teaches us a lovely lesson: to appreciate the beauty of today. Its daily bloom cycle is a beautiful metaphor for life's fleeting but wonderful moments. While it may not last for weeks like other flowers, its message of renewal and a mother's love is timeless.
For a gift that speaks of new beginnings and heartfelt affection, consider a bouquet featuring these charming blooms. Find the perfect arrangement to express your feelings with Windflower Florist, with on-time same-day flower delivery in Singapore, and your order is free.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Meaning of the Daylily Flower
How Long Does A Single Daylily Flower Last?
True to its name, a single daylily flower lasts for about one day, or roughly 24 hours. It typically opens in the morning and wilts by the following evening. However, a healthy stem will have multiple buds that open on consecutive days, extending the overall flowering period.
What Do Daylilies Symbolise In Different Cultures?
In Chinese culture, the daylily is a powerful symbol of a mother's love and is also believed to help one forget their troubles. In a more general Victorian flower language context, it represents coquetry or flirtatious behaviour, likely due to its bright and showy appearance.
Are Daylilies The Same As Lilies?
No, they are not. While they look similar and share a name, daylilies belong to the genus Hemerocallis and true lilies belong to the genus Lilium. A key difference is that daylilies grow from fleshy roots, while true lilies grow from bulbs.
What Colours Do Daylilies Come In?
Daylilies come in a spectacular range of colours, including shades of yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple. Many varieties are bicoloured or have contrasting "eyes" or "throats" in the centre. The only colour they do not naturally come in is pure blue or pure white.
Can I Grow Daylilies In A Pot In Singapore?
Yes, you absolutely can! Daylilies are quite hardy and can adapt well to being grown in containers. Choose a large pot to give the root system enough space, use well-draining soil, and ensure the plant gets at least six hours of sunlight each day.
