Hemerocallis American Revolution - Daylily

Hemerocallis American Revolution is a fairly old variety that has some of the darkest flowers, with complex colours of great richness: depending on the lighting.  They are a velvety burgundy red, with black, garnet or mahogany hues, around a small yellow and green throat. Its flowering, abundant in June-July, regularly reappears at the end of summer, in the form of flowers with classic and elegant lines. This variety is a great classic, a prolific and reliable perennial plant that will not disappoint, even if it is forgotten for a while, in a secluded corner of the garden, preferably in the sun.

The Hemerocallis genus belongs to the Liliaceae family. These are perennial and hardy plants whose foliage is deciduous, sometimes semi-evergreen. The variety 'American Revolution', introduced in 1972, grows rapidly and forms a fairly dense and beautiful clump that will reach 70 cm in height when flowering, with a relative spread of 60 cm (24in).  Daylilies tend to spread a little when they like the terrain. The flowers, which are relatively small, measure about 14 cm (6in) in diameter, the petals in this variety are smooth, rigid, lanceolate and particularly velvety. Each flower lasts no longer than a day, but the flowering is continuously renewed over a long summer period. The stems are strong, slender, and filled with numerous buds. The foliage is linear, dark green, and deciduous. Daylilies are plants with short rhizomes and fleshy rootsthat tolerate dry soils and salt, but are more opulent and more floriferous in moist soil.

Very easy to grow, these plants thrive equally well in shade and in the sun. Some of them are a bit invasive, so don't hesitate to divide the clumps every four or five years, preferably in autumn, after flowering. The daylily is often called 'the perfect perennial plant', because of its vibrant colours, its ability to tolerate any type of environment, but also due to a lack of modesty.  It has a beautiful exuberance that goes well with other perennials. Plant them in generous clumps at the back of your flower beds. All summer bulbs can be planted alongside daylilies. 'American Revolution' is a variety with a rare colouring, which blends well in flower beds with yellow flowers (Hemerocallis citrina), with acid green foliage (Alchemilla mollis, Foeniculum vulgaris) and will enhance a red garden, in the company of Achillea millefolium Pomegranate or Knautia macedonia for example. On a balcony or patio, large pots of at least 30 cm (12in) in depth should be provided and dwarf varieties should be chosen. The flowers are edible: they brighten up salads and decorate desserts.