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
