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Daylilies – The tireless perennial bloomers

With relatively little maintenance, the wide variety of daylilies (Hemerocallis) brings a firework of color to our gardens. Even though each bloom lasts only a day, the perennial produces so many buds that we can enjoy their splendor almost all summer long.

© Anna Bremermann – GMH
© Perennial Nursery Countess von Zeppelin – GMH
© Perennial Nursery Countess von Zeppelin – GMH
Gelbe aufgeblüte Taglilien im Beet ergänzend mit ihren Knospen in einem schönen Farbspiel.
© Bettina Banse – GMH

Daylily Perennial of the Year

There are some plants that seem to be endowed with a wonderful serenity by the awareness of their own beauty. Daylilies, for example, are at least as attractive as real lilies and other magnificent perennials, but far superior in terms of ease of care. The German Perennial Gardeners' Association chose Hemerocallis as the Perennial of the Year 2018, as it also has many admirers among experts.

Perfect for gardening beginners and professionals

"Karl Foerster once described the daylily as the 'flower of the intelligent lazy person,' and that's truly what it is," says Anna Bremermann of Bremermann Stauden in Wiefelstede. "Apart from a generous dose of fertilizer in the spring—preferably using a complete fertilizer according to the package instructions—care is limited to dividing the rootstocks in the fall if the plants become less flowering after a few years." Otherwise, the vast majority of daylilies are extremely robust and hardy. Provided they receive adequate water and adequate winter protection, these rewarding perennials can even be grown in pots.

Overwhelming variety

The low maintenance requirements are one thing, but what fascinates Anna Bremermann most about daylilies is the huge variety of varieties. "Large or small flowers, simple or playful, slender or broad – and in countless shades and some with fragrance – there are tens of thousands of varieties worldwide, with over 81,000 registered with the American Hemerocallis Society alone," reports the perennial expert. The color palette offers countless variations, from white through various shades of yellow, orange, red, and violet to multi-colored varieties. The flower sizes range from a cute 4 cm in diameter to an incredible 20 cm, and the shape ranges from simple, narrow petals to double or ruffled varieties to so-called UFOs – unusual shapes that, for example, have very long, twisted petals.

Pumpkin 'Red Kuri' - Cucurbita maxima
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Unrivalled beauty for weeks

The fact that each daylily bloom actually only lasts a day isn't even noticeable given the overwhelming abundance of flowers. "In a sunny spot, daylilies bloom profusely for weeks. Many varieties even tolerate partial shade, but they bloom a little less profusely then," explains Anna Bremermann. How daylilies are integrated into the garden is primarily a matter of taste. "The simple varieties, for example, look very beautiful in the company of cottage garden plants. Their attractive grass-like foliage incidentally conceals the often balding stems of phlox and asters," recommends the perennial gardener. "I would, however, combine particularly showy varieties with slender, upright ornamental grasses so that nothing distracts from the impressive flowers."

Flowers to indulge in and snack on

Anna Bremermann's special tip: "Daylily blossoms are edible and, when consumed in moderation, easy to digest. Their petals are nice and crisp and taste very different depending on the variety, sometimes even quite spicy, which is why I like to use them as a salad garnish."

Daylilies: Perennial bloomers for the garden

Daylilies (Hemerocallis) open their flowers between May and October, depending on the variety, and they do so for many weeks at a time. "A true perennial bloomer and therefore one of the most popular varieties is 'Stella d'Oro,' a beautiful golden-yellow daylily that continually produces new flower buds from late May to late September," reveals Anna Bremermann of Bremermann Stauden in Wiefelstede. At 40 cm tall, the small-flowered variety is also well-suited for planters and small gardens. "Less well-known, but one of my favorites is the tall, slender variety 'Hot Stuff.' Its bright yellow flowers are adorned with a delicate reddish ring. They open from early June to late August."

Based on his own experience, Bremermann generally recommends buying daylilies from a nursery when they are in bloom: "They often look so different in online photos that you end up disappointed because the color and pattern don't match your expectations." It's better to plan a nice trip and take home not only the long-awaited plant but also the appropriate care and design tips.

TEXT: GMH/BdS
© Anna Bremermann – GMH

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