For the daylily, life is short—a mere 24 hours. But with multiple buds on every scape, or leafless stalk, and many reblooming varieties available, this perennial can be a real garden knockout, flowering for four to seven weeks. An artful array of colors, patterns, forms, and fragrances (there are 60,000-plus registered hybrids) will intrigue even the most seasoned gardener, though there’s no need to be a pro to grow the low-maintenance beauties. Plant these picks today, and you’ll bask in the results all summer long.
D ‘Siloam Gumdrop’
(Hemerocallis)
This fragrant variety with scapes that reach 12 inches delivers a sweet yet delicate scent to your garden from early to mid summer. Plant it in masses for high visual impact.
Hardiness: Zones 4-10
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-draining
Water: Allow surface to dry between waterings.
Maintain: Remove spent blooms for optimal growth.
D‘Chick Flick’
(Hemerocallis)
‘Chick Flick’ is a hybrid from Georgetown’s Browns Ferry Gardens that—thanks to “diamond-dusted” petals—is said to sparkle in the sunlight. Expect 4.75-inch diameter blooms and 24-inch scapes.
D ‘Little Grapette’
(Hemerocallis)
Whether sown solo in a container or mixed in a low border, this petite beauty thrives in small spaces. Its two-inch lavender petals open in the late afternoon, revealing a chartreuse throat.
D ‘Papa Goose’
(Hemerocallis)
Curling coral petals and a bright yellow throat make ‘Papa Goose’ a lot prettier than its name implies. The Browns Ferry Gardens hybrid grows tall and wide with 32-inch scapes and blooms eight inches in diameter.