Hemerocallis fulva Flore Pleno - Daylily

The Hemerocallis fulva 'Flore Pleno', which bears the striking name of Fulvous Daylily, is a superb perennial plant that is easy to grow and can withstand most of our soils and climates. This plant has big, flamboyant double flowers and wider foliage that's a pretty bluish-green. It looks amazing every year and will keep doing so if you give it good, deep soil and water it during dry summers. Once the plant is established, it will bloom even in the shade. It's strong and sturdy and will be one of the few plants that can do this.

The Fulvous Daylily Flore Pleno is a perennial plant with fleshy roots and deciduous foliage belonging to the family of Hemerocallidaceae (or Xanthorrhoeaceae). It comes from Hemerocallis fulva, known as the red lily, a botanical species native to central Europe and the Caucasus and naturalised from the centre and southwest of France to Provence. In nature, it is found on the banks of rivers and ditches or in moist woods. Often confused with the 'Kwanzo' form, this daylily, known for a long time (before 1860), is perhaps slightly polymorphous or not very stable in culture. The controversy that agitates the world of enthusiasts leaves this plant indifferent, as it quickly forms a dense clump, reaching, depending on the growing conditions, 80 cm (32in) to 1.20 m (4ft) in height when flowering. The foliage consists of ribbon-like leaves, sometimes reaching 5cm (2in) in width, of a fairly dark green with bluish reflections. Flowering takes place in July-August. The double flowers, in a mix of orange and ochre, are marked by a carmine eye surrounding a yellow throat and crossed by almost red veins. They are 15cm (6in) wide, slightly ruffled, and form a fool's cap. Depending on the flowers, each flower has 12 to 18 slender petals and a variable number of aborted stamens. These ephemeral flowers only live for one day but are continuously renewed on sturdy stems with a few reduced leaves in the form of scales. The foliage disappears in winter.

The Hemerocallis fulva 'Flore Pleno' forms grandiose clusters when planted in groups, especially since its growth is rapid. It is best placed at the back of the cluster as its superb foliage disappears in winter, leaving a yellow and tangled carpet on the ground. It is very 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 succeeds both in partial shade (in hot and sunny climates) and in full sun. The daylily is often described as "the perfect perennial plant"  and is known for its beautiful, vibrant colours and ability to grow well in any environment. It can be easily paired with other perennials to create a stunning display. The flowers of the daylily are highly valued for cooking and can be used to make delicious fritters.