Dormant The leaves of these daylilies die completely back as winter approaches. Evergreen These daylilies retain their leaves throughout the year. In mild climates, the leaves of evergreens remain green all winter. Semi-Evergreen This is an intermediate classification.
In general, evergreen types will do better in hot climates with very mild winters and dormant types prefer colder areas.
Chromosomes Tetraploid daylilies have twice the normal number of chromosomes. They have larger flowers than most daylilies. Colors are often more intense. Scapes tend to be sturdier and stronger. Diploid daylilies are considered by some to be more graceful in form. Spider and double daylilies are more commonly diploid. Diploid flowers though usually smaller are also more numerous per plant. There are more diploid daylilies than tetraploids.