Hemerocallis Bonanza - Daylily

Hemerocallis 'Bonanza' is an old American variety with dazzling colours that always makes a big impact in summer flowerbeds. Its large flowers are slightly perfumed.  They are a very warm orange-yellow colour enhanced by a superb red-brown halo in the throat. They are carried by slender stems above a linear foliage forming a dense clump. This cultivar blooms abundantly in summer and its foliage is deciduous in winter.

The genus Hemerocallis belongs to the Liliaceae. These are perennial and hardy plants with deciduous foliage, sometimes semi-evergreen. The 'Bonanza' variety was obtained by Ferrick in 1954 in the USA. It is a classic diploid variety. It forms a fairly dense clump that will reach about 60 cm (24in) in height, with a relative spread of 60 cm (24in), daylilies have a tendency to spread a little when they like the terrain. The flowers measure 11-12 cm (4-5in) in diameter. They are composed of 6 narrow, pointed petals, slightly curled at the edges. Each flower blooms in the morning, lasts no more than a day, but the flowering is renewed throughout the month of July. The foliage is linear, bright green, absent in winter. Daylilies are plants with short rhizomes and fleshy roots that tolerate dry soils, but are more opulent and 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. Daylilies are often called 'the perfect perennial plant', because of their vibrant colours, their ability to tolerate any type of environment, but also because of their lack of modesty, they have a beautiful exuberance that goes well with other perennials. Plant them in generous clumps at the back of your flowerbeds. Summer bulbs (lilies, agapanthus, ixias...) can be planted alongside daylilies. 'Bonanza' is a dazzling variety, to be highlighted next to blue, white, orange, red or yellow blooms. It pairs well with perennial flax, erigerons and chamomiles for example. The flowers are edible: they brighten up salads and decorate desserts.