Camellia vs Daylily

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Camellia

Camellia japonica

Theaceae · shrubs

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Daylily

Hemerocallis spp.

Asparagaceae · flowers

EdibleLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Camellia (Zones 7-9)

Daylily (Zones 3-10)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 7–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Camellia	Daylily
Scientific Name	Camellia japonica	Hemerocallis spp.
Family	Theaceae	Asparagaceae
Category	shrubs	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Acidic, Well-drained	Adaptable
Height	10'	3'
Spread	6'	2'
Bloom Season	Winter-Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White	Yellow, Orange, Red, Pink
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	East Asia	East Asia
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Camellia

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Daylily

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Camellia

✓Protect from morning sun after frost — rapid thawing damages flowers.
✓Mulch to keep roots cool.
✓Don't plant too deep.
✓Prune after flowering if needed.

Daylily

✓Remove spent scapes after blooming.
✓Divide every 3-5 years when clumps become crowded.
✓Virtually pest and disease free.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Camellia if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 7–9.

Choose Daylily if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 3–10.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 7–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View CamelliaProfile →View DaylilyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Camellia and Daylily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Camellia grows in USDA zones 7-9, while Daylily grows in zones 3-10. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 9.

Do Camellia and Daylily have the same sun and water needs?

Camellia needs part shade and medium water, while Daylily needs full sun to part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Camellia or Daylily?

Camellia grows taller at 10' compared to Daylily at 3'. Camellia spreads 6' while Daylily spreads 2'.

Are Camellia and Daylily deer resistant?

Camellia is deer resistant, but Daylily is not. If deer are a concern, Camellia is the better choice, or protect Daylily with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Camellia or Daylily?

Camellia has medium maintenance while Daylily has low maintenance. Daylily may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Camellia	Daylily
Scientific Name	Camellia japonica	Hemerocallis spp.
Family	Theaceae	Asparagaceae
Category	shrubs	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Acidic, Well-drained	Adaptable
Height	10'	3'
Spread	6'	2'
Bloom Season	Winter-Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White	Yellow, Orange, Red, Pink
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	East Asia	East Asia
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Care Tips

Camellia

✓Protect from morning sun after frost — rapid thawing damages flowers.
✓Mulch to keep roots cool.
✓Don't plant too deep.
✓Prune after flowering if needed.

Daylily

✓Remove spent scapes after blooming.
✓Divide every 3-5 years when clumps become crowded.
✓Virtually pest and disease free.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Camellia if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 7–9.

Choose Daylily if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 3–10.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 7–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Camellia and Daylily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Camellia grows in USDA zones 7-9, while Daylily grows in zones 3-10. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 9.

Do Camellia and Daylily have the same sun and water needs?

Camellia needs part shade and medium water, while Daylily needs full sun to part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Camellia or Daylily?

Camellia grows taller at 10' compared to Daylily at 3'. Camellia spreads 6' while Daylily spreads 2'.

Are Camellia and Daylily deer resistant?

Camellia is deer resistant, but Daylily is not. If deer are a concern, Camellia is the better choice, or protect Daylily with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Camellia or Daylily?

Camellia has medium maintenance while Daylily has low maintenance. Daylily may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.