The scientific name for daylily is Hemerocallis. The word Hemerocallis is derived from two Greek words meaning “beauty” and “day” referring to the fact that each flower lasts only one day. To make up for this, there are many flower buds on each daylily flower stalk, and many stalks in each clump of plants, so, the flowering period of a clump is usually several weeks long.
Most daylilies do best in full sun. They will tolerate part-shade conditions, but require a minimum of six hours of direct sun per day.
Daylilies are one of the most reliable and easy to grow perennials in the garden. They are quick to get established in the garden and tolerate cold and drought conditions as well as being pest and disease resistant. They come in an array of colors ranging from yellow, gold, orange through red, pink purple and creamy white. Every year there are more variations on these colors and improvements on these plants.
We carry over 20 varieties of daylilies. Here’s a description of some of our favorites so far this year:
- Bela Lugosi – This is considered to be the best purple available. It is a very strong grower and is heavily budded. The 6″ dark purple flower has a nice contrasting yellow throat. It grows 30-32″.
- Blackthorne – This variety has a creamy yellow flower with a wine purple eye. The edges of the flower petals are ruffled with a purple edging. It is very floriferous in early summer, then it will rebloom at the end of the summer. It grows 26″ tall.
- South Seas – This tropical-colored flower is a showstopper! It has a rich coral-pink flower with reddish banding. It is very hardy and a vigorous bloomer, setting over 30 buds in early summer. It is also a repeat bloomer late summer.
- Best Seller – This extra-fancy flower has lavender petals edged with a large yellow ruffle and pale yellow-green throat. It grows 24″ high and is also a rebloomer.
- Stolen Treasure – This romantic pink flower has a combination of a light and dark rose color and ruffled petals. The large 6.5″ blooms are striking, and the plant will grow 26″ tall.
Happy Returns: Lemon yellow
Stella de Oro: Golden yellow
Going Bananas (Proven Winner): Yellow shades
Royal Braid: Peachy mauve with a grape purple eye
Joan Senior (white): Creamy white
Passionate Returns: Rose colored blossom with bright yellow throat
Lavender blue baby: Lavender blue with green throat
Ruby Stella: Deep wine-red
I just divided my new favorite daylily, going bananas, this year.