March 30, 2001, Newsletter Issue #19: Dreamy Daylilies

Tip of the Week

The Antiques.
The two principal species that were grown in the past and which give an authentic flavour to an english Cottage garden were:

(1) Hemerocallis lilio-asphodelus (Also known as H. flava), which is 2 ft tall, with lemon, yellow scented blooms in mid to late summer.

(2) Hemerocallis fulva, the tawny daylily which is 3 ft tall , dusky orange and blooms mid to late summer.

The Modern Hybrids.
During the latter half of the last century, hybridists set about to increase the limited colour range of the old species and their varieties and hats off to them they have worked an absolute miracle.

The colour range is now extensive and includes pink, peach, lavender, cream, purple and red.

A word of warning, day lilies can become an obsession!

What to Grow.
The two old-timers are still very worthwhile and I would never be without them. The following list includes a few of the types I personally have grown or seen and can thoroughly recommend.

(1) Hemerocallis fulva "Kwanso Flore Pleno": The double form of the tawny Day lily. Dusky orange marked crimson. 3 ft tall. mid to late summer.

(2) Hemerocallis "Christmas Is": Deep red 3 ft tall. Mid to late summer.

(3) Hemerocallis "Summer Wine": Dusty purple 2 ft tall. Mid to late summer.

(4) Hemerocallis " Stella D`oro": Golden Yellow. 2 ft tall. Mid summer till the first frost.

(5) Hemerocallis "Luxury Lace": Apricot pink. 3 ft tall. Mid to late summer.

(6) Hemerocallis "Starling": Darkest purple. 3 ft tall. Mid to late summer.

(7) Hemerocallis "Mikado": Bright yellow with brown/ maroon throat. 3 ft tall. Mid to late summer.

(8) Hemerocallis "Chicago Princess": Deep lavender with a yellow throat. 2 ft tall. Mid to late summer.

(9) Hemerocallis "Gentle Shepherd": Cream. 2 ft tall. Mid to late summer.

(10) Hemerocallis "Baley Hey": Peach. 18" tall. Mid to late summer.

When To Plant.
April is a good month to plant daylilies in your herbaceous border, mixed border, patio pot and at the front of the shrub border.

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