A collection of Lithuanian daylily cultivars and the most valuable Lithuanian hybrids, reflecting the history of breeding in Lithuania, as well as examples of foreign cultivars with the most ornamental characteristics and the most suitable local growing conditions.

Daylilies (Hemerocallis L.) is an herbaceous ornamental plant suitable for use as a monoculture or in mixed flowerbeds. They are one of the easiest and most low-maintenance plants to grow. As far back as ancient times, Confucius (551-479 BC), the famous Chinese philosopher, first mentioned daylilies in his writings. The genus contains about 26 species, which are native to the Far East, the western part of eastern Siberia, China, Japan, and the Korean peninsula. In Europe, daylilies appeared and spread rapidly in the 16th century, but it was not until the end of the 19th century that they became more interesting. The first cultivar of daylily was developed and registered in 1893 by the breeder G. Yeld under the name 'Apricot'. Most of the new cultivars are developed by breeders in the USA, which has a long tradition of growing and breeding these flowers.

The American Hemerocallis Society has been active in the USA since 1946, with over several thousand members. Over 80 000 hybrid cultivars have been registered. The popularity of daylilies among breeders is due to the cultivar of flower shapes and sizes and the wide range of colors. Daylilies are classified according to several attributes: color, bloom shape and size, height, blooming time, and vegetation type. Modern hybrid cultivars have up to 18 shades of blooms. The shape and size of the blossom vary widely. The diameter of the flowers varies from 7,5cm to 30cm. The height of these plants ranges from 20cm to 2 meters. Flowering takes place between May and September. Most hybrid daylilies flower between July and August. Daylilies are divided into three vegetative groups: leaf-bearing, semi-evergreen, and evergreen cultivars.

Most daylilies are flowering for just one day, but the number of buds in the inflorescence, which is not all set at the same time, means that the flowering lasts for a month or longer.

Daylilies can be used in floristry for bouquets, growing in garden flowerbeds and by water bodies. In alpine gardens, small daylilies look beautiful near larger stones and amongst low pillow plants. These plants can grow and be ornamental in one place for more than 15 years.

VU botanical garden has been collecting daylilies since 1994 and currently has 10 species and 495 cultivars of daylilies. The cultivars for the daylily collection are selected based on their ornamental qualities and their suitability for growing in local conditions. Particular attention is paid to collecting Lithuanian daylily cultivars and the most valuable Lithuanian hybrids, reflecting the history of breeding in Lithuania.