I'm a recent convert to the daylily universe. In my earlier years, I never really noticed them... or I just figured they were all nearly the same. But as in every subject, there is always more complexity, deeper and deeper layers to uncover. Such is definitely the case in the world of daylilies.
I have a thing for the tall daylilies! While most modern breeders are making plants smaller and more compact, my tastes have always been towards the tall, wild, and unusual. On my walks, I often see the cute but way overplanted Stella D'Oro, this is a perfect representative of the push towards the miniature. They are everywhere: new housing developments, Lowes, parking lots.... if it starts showing up at Burger King, I immediately lose interest.
Most of us are familiar with the wild "ditch" lilies, which grow in moist places along country roads. These are very common throughout the south, and every June I look to them almost as much as I do the red spider lilies in September. Orange ditch lilies, or Hemerocallis fulva have become naturalized here in the south, even though they are originally from East Asia. If planted in our yards, they can be a bit aggressive, so I tend to appreciate these along the roads.
Hemerocallis citrina, also called the citron daylily is an uncommon species that should be in every southern garden! I remember back when I first encountered these giants at Plant Delights Nursery, I was blown away... not only by their lofty heights (up to 6ft.) but also because they are highly fragrant and bloom at night! I also have a thing for night-blooming fragrant plants.
This species, along with cultivars like 'Yao Ming' and 'Flyover' are usually a soft lemon color and have relatively small flowers in numerous clusters. They begin blooming for me in late June. I like to stake mine with ornamental tomato cages because they tend to fall over.
Spider daylilies are in a class all their own. With ribbon-like petals, they offer a completely different encounter. While they don't have to be super tall, I'm especially fond of the giant spiders. These can be quite expensive, but ever since I got 'Red Ribbons', I'm hooked! I need more!
I'd be remiss if I wrote about tall daylilies and didn't mention the amazing 'Autumn Minaret'. While actually blooming in late July, this giant extends the daylily season late into the summer. If you only have space for one colossal daylily, you should select this!
Daylilies are easy! They only require a sunny spot and perhaps some staking. However, if you have a lot of deer, you might want to reconsider as you will be in constant battle.
If you'd like to grow some of these unusual types, I'd suggest web nurseries like Oakes or Plant Delights. Or, better yet, make a friend who grows them. They are easy to divide and share!
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