| July 2007 — Hemerocallis |
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| Sunday, 01 July 2007 03:00 | ||
 Part of the Hemerocallidaceae family, Hemerocallis or daylilies are not true lilies. The name Hemerocallis is based on the Greek words for day and beauty, as the beautiful flowers in fact last only one day, in general opening at sunrise and withering away at sunset, to be replaced by another bloom on the same stem the following day. However, some of the more than 60,000 named cultivars are night blooming.The large number of cultivars is reflective of the fact that Hemerocallis are not only beautiful, but easy to grow as well, making them a popular selection for many garden and landscape settings. They are available in a variety of colors and shapes, and there are cultivars available to suit hardiness zones of 1 through 11. The flower consists of three petals and three sepals, known as tepals. The centre of the flower, referred to as the throat, is usually a different and contrasting color. There are six stamens, each with a two-lobed anther. With hybridizers introducing literally thousands of new cultivars each year, Hemerocallis is now available in a wide range of colors ranging from yellows, oranges and pinks, to purples, black and white. The quest is for a true blue cultivar, and although some come close, a true blue variety is yet to be developed. Other desirable characteristics which help to set cultivars apart from the competition include height and scent. Although an easy to grow perennial, to allow for better root establishment, it is suggested that Hemerocallis not be allowed to bloom the first year in the garden. Hemerocallis 'Catharine Woodbury' USDA Zone 3 Mature Height: 30 inches Blooming from May to July, 'Catharine Woodbury' is a very fragrant selection with lightly ruffled, orchid-lavender petals and a yellow-green throat. The blooms measure 4.5 inches across. Although it will perform well in partially shady locations, it does prefer full sun and well-drained soils. As with most daylilies, this cultivar is easy to grow and is an excellent choice for mass planting in the landscape.
USDA Zone 3 to 9 Mature Height: 12 to 18 inches This is a vigorous cultivar that features bright red flowers with yellow-green throats measuring three inches across. Fragrant, it blooms in mid to late season, with a possible re-bloom in the autumn. It is easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. Should be divided to maintain vigor when the clumps become overcrowded. Hemerocallis 'Prairie Blue Eyes' USDA Zone 6 Mature Height: 24 to 30 inches There are no true blue daylilies, but this lavender selection with bluish halos and yellow throats does come close. It is a heavy bloomer, producing up to 25 buds per stem and ruffled blossoms that measure more than five inches across. It prefers full sun to light shade and a fertile, well-drained soil. Hemerocallis 'Raspberry Sundae' USDA Zone 3 Mature Height: 32 inches As its name suggests, this cultivar features showy raspberry-pink blossoms with golden-yellow throats that measure 5.5 inches across. It holds up well in hot conditions and can be grown in a variety of soil types. 'Raspberry Sundae' is a mid to late season bloomer, with excellent stem production and a high bud count. Hemerocallis 'Wineberry Candy' USDA Zone 3 to 9 Mature Height: 22 inches 'Wineberry Candy' is a outstanding selection with excellent bloom performance, good winter hardiness and a vigorous growth habit. The fragrant 4.5-inch blooms feature soft orchid pink tepals with a wine-purple eye and yellow-green throat. This is one of the earliest flowering daylilies, blooming in early to mid-summer and reblooming later in the season. This cultivar is also considered to be one of the longest blooming, with flowers lasting for upwards of 16 hours. |
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