Hemerocallis fulva 'Kwanso' is a double-flowered form of the tawny or orange daylily, a tough, clump-forming perennial that spreads by underground runners to form dense colonies. Each flower lasts only a single day, but a healthy clump produces a long succession of large, ruffled, tawny-orange blooms over many weeks.
In India it is an undemanding ornamental that thrives in the plains and hills alike, tolerating heat, poor soils and a fair amount of neglect once established. The arching strap-shaped foliage forms an attractive mound even when the plant is not in flower, making it useful for borders, mass plantings and slope stabilisation.
Specifications
| Family |
Asphodelaceae (Hemerocallidaceae) |
| Native region |
East Asia (China, Japan, Korea) |
| Mature height |
60-100 cm |
| Mature spread |
60-90 cm, spreading by runners |
| Growth rate |
Fast |
| Foliage |
Arching, strap-shaped green leaves; deciduous to semi-evergreen |
| Flower colour |
Tawny orange, double |
| Flower season |
Late spring through summer (Mar-Aug in most of India) |
| Climate zone |
Tropical to temperate; suits plains and hills across India |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun to partial shade; best flowering in 6+ hours of sun, light afternoon shade helps in very hot regions |
| Watering |
Moderate; keep soil evenly moist during growth and flowering, reduce in cool/dormant months. Tolerates short dry spells once established |
| Soil / mix |
Adaptable; prefers fertile, well-drained loam enriched with compost, pH 6.0-7.0. Avoid waterlogging |
| Temperature |
Thrives 15-35 C; tolerates Indian summer heat and mild frost in the hills |
| Humidity |
Tolerant of a wide range; no special humidity needs |
| Fertilizer |
Feed with balanced NPK or compost in spring; a second light feed mid-season supports continued bloom |
| Pruning |
Remove spent flower stalks and yellowing leaves; cut back foliage after it dies down to tidy the clump |
| Repotting |
Lift and divide congested clumps every 3-4 years in the cool season to maintain vigour |
| Propagation |
Mainly by division of clumps/runners ('Kwanso' is usually sterile and sets little seed) |
| Pests & problems |
Generally trouble-free; watch for aphids, thrips, slugs/snails and occasional spider mites in dry heat |
| Toxicity / safety |
Toxic to cats (can cause acute kidney failure); keep away from cats. Flower buds are eaten as a vegetable in East Asian cuisine but use caution with people and other pets |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Uses
<p>A versatile ornamental for Indian gardens and landscapes:</p><ul><li>Mass planting in borders, beds and along driveways for summer colour</li><li>Ground cover and slope/bank stabilisation thanks to its spreading roots</li><li>Edging and informal cottage-style plantings</li><li>Container and large-pot displays on terraces and balconies</li><li>Low-maintenance public and institutional landscaping</li></ul>
Growing tips
<p>Plant divisions at the onset of the cooler months or before the monsoon so roots establish before peak heat. Mulch the clump to conserve moisture and suppress weeds through the hot season.</p><p>Give it the sunniest spot you can in northern and hilly India for best flowering; in the hot plains, light afternoon shade keeps blooms fresh. Water consistently from bud formation through flowering, then ease off. Divide crowded clumps every few years in winter to keep flowering strong.</p>