Hemerocallis fulva - Daylily

The Hemerocallis fulva, also known as the tawny daylily, is a very vigorous botanical species of tall height with early flowering in open trumpet-shaped flowers in brown-orange, very distinguished. A rhizomatous perennial produces a beautiful clump of semi-evergreen, long, narrow leaves with a glaucous green colour, initially upright, then spreading in habit. From May to June, aerial branched stems of flowers with slender, recurved sepals in brown-orange with reddish stripes and delicate yellow-cream petals, with a bright yellow throat open successively. It is a very simple perennial that tolerates not-too-dry soils as long as it can enjoy some light. It will be even more floriferous and luxuriant in rich, fresh, deep soil exposed to full sun. Take advantage of this hardy and generous perennial to create beautiful flower borders, as a background for other perennials, and to fill moist areas of the garden, even in semi-shade.

The tawny daylily is a perennial plant with fleshy roots and semi-evergreen foliage belonging to the family Hemerocallidaceae (or Xanthorrhoeaceae). Also known as the red lily, it is a botanical species native to temperate Asia. In the wild, it is found on the banks of rivers and ditches or in damp woods. This plant quickly forms a dense clump, reaching, depending on the growing conditions, 1.20m (4ft) in height when in flower and 80cm (32in) in width. The foliage consists of ribbon-like leaves, sometimes reaching 5cm (2in) in width and 30 to 90cm (12 to 35in) in length, of a relatively dark green with bluish reflections. The flowering takes place in May or June. The single flowers, in a mix of orange and tawny, are marked by a tawny brown or bright red eye surrounding a yellow base and crossed by almost red veins. They are 6 to 10cm (2 to 4in) wide. Each flower has three shorter tepals and three slender petals and bears prominent, upward-curved red-orange stamens. These ephemeral flowers only live for one day but are continuously replaced on sturdy stems with a few reduced leaves in the form of scales. The foliage disappears in winter, remaining evergreen only in very mild climates.

Hemerocallis fulva forms magnificent flower beds when planted in groups, especially since it grows rapidly. It is best placed at the back of the border, as its superb foliage disappears in winter, leaving a yellow and tangled carpet on the ground. It looks beautiful with the blue or mauve flowers of Malva sylvestris, delphiniums, anchusa or large perennial geraniums (Geranium magnificum, G. psilostemon). Very easy to grow, it thrives equally well in semi-shade (in hot and sunny climates) and in full sun. The daylily is often called "the perfect perennial plant" due to its vibrant colours and ability to tolerate any environment, but also due to its lack of modesty, as it displays a beautiful exuberance that goes well with other perennials. Its flowers are highly appreciated in cuisine in the form of delicious fritters.