Hemerocallis Idas Magic - Daylily

The Daylily or Hemerocallis 'Ida's Magic' is a relatively early and repeat flowering variety. It has received several awards and is sought after for its charming,  fleshy flowers, characterized by very fringed petals on edge. Their colour is a peachy amber pink, quite intense, highlighted by a golden yellow border, with the flower's throat being golden around a small green heart. This variety forms an elegant clump of evergreen foliage of medium height, ornamental all year round. It is easy to grow and deserves a special place in the garden where its personality can be appreciated.

The genus Hemerocallis belongs to the Liliaceae family. They are perennial and hardy plants with deciduous or semi-evergreen foliage. In this tetraploid variety introduced in 1988, the clump will reach a height of 60 cm (24in) when in bloom, with a spread of 50 cm (20in), possibly more if the soil suits it. The triangular flowers measure approximately 15 cm (6in) in diameter. The original pink colour of 'Ida's Magic' is accompanied by wide and wavy petals crossed by a cream midline and enhanced by a golden yellow throat. Individually, daylilies, as their name suggests, last no more than a day. However, they continuously repeat over a beautiful period between June and August-September. Ideal for beautiful bouquets, their buds open in water. The foliage is thick, linear, and evergreen. It is a plant with short rhizomes and fleshy roots that tolerates periods of drought but is more floriferous in moist soil.

Very easy to grow, these perennials thrive in both shade and sun. Some can be a bit invasive, so dividing the plants every four or five years after flowering in autumn is best. Daylilies are often called "the perfect perennial plant" due to their vibrant colours and ability to tolerate any environment, but also because of a lack of modesty. They have a beautiful exuberance that goes well with other perennials. Plant them in generous clumps at the back of your borders. 'Ida's Magic', with its lovely golden filigree, will go very well with solid-coloured flowers in the same range of tones. Pair it with pink Japanese anemones or the Daylily 'Orange Velvet', a light and bright orange. Pair it with summer-flowering bulbs and the flexible habit of grasses to lighten your borders. To enhance balconies and patios with a daylily, use large pots with a minimum depth of 30 cm (12in) and use dwarf varieties. The flowers are edible: they brighten up salads and decorate desserts, each variety having its flavour!

Many varieties have been developed in Japan, where it is very popular. The flowers of these plants come in a wide range of colours and shapes. More than sixty thousand cultivars, primarily resulting from hybridizations by gardening enthusiasts, are listed, appreciated, and studied by international Hemerocallis societies.