The scientific name for daylilies, hemerocallis, comes from the Greek words hermera, meaning day and kallos, meaning beauty. The two terms together can be translated as “beauty for a day”. This term aptly describes the lifespan of the plant, as each individual flower lasts only one day.

Daylilies are at their height in Central Massachusetts right now. As I travel the area, colorful lily displays abound, most likely due to the consistent sun and heat this season. Below are a few “beauties for a day” that I enjoyed in my own garden recently.