Hemerocallis Margaret Perry - Daylily

The Daylily or Hemerocallis 'Margaret Perry' is an old, perpetual variety with exemplary vigour, forming beautiful, natural-looking flower clusters throughout the summer. Its elegant 'spider' flowers are composed of narrow petals, a deep melon orange with hints of red, and are adorned with bright yellow median lines that dive into the golden yellow throat. Graceful yet robust, it is a trouble-free perennial that will adapt to any garden in the UK.

The genus Hemerocallis belongs to the Liliaceae family. They are  hardy perennial plants with deciduous, sometimes semi-evergreen foliage. The 'Margaret Perry' variety dates back to 1925 and has not lost its elegance and vivacity. It grows into a quite opulent clump, reaching 75 to 90 cm (30 to 35in), with a relative spread of 80 cm (32in). Hemerocallis tend to spread a little when they like the soil. The spider-like flowers measure 8 to 12 cm (3 to 5in) in diameter, and their unique appearance is called 'spider' in horticultural language. The petals in this variety are narrow and elongated, with pointed tips. A yellow line runs through each petal, from the tip to the throat of the flower. Each flower lasts only a day, but the flowering is continuously renewed over a beautiful period between June and July-August. The stems are sturdy and filled with numerous buds. The foliage is elegant and abundant, with linear and deciduous shapes. Hemerocallis are plants with short rhizomes and fleshy roots that tolerate drought but are more floriferous and opulent in moist soil.

These plants are easy to grow and thrive in shade and sun. Some are invasive, so do not hesitate to divide the clumps every four or five years, preferably in autumn, after flowering. The Hemerocallis is often called "the perfect perennial plant" because of its vibrant colours and its ability to tolerate any type of environment, but also due to its lack of modesty, as it is beautifully exuberant and goes well with other perennials. Plant them in generous clumps in the background of your flower beds. All summer bulb flowers can be planted alongside Hemerocallis. 'Margaret Perry' will fit perfectly into the setting of a contemporary or wild garden, with grasses, dwarf bamboo, Nandina or perennial flax by its side. Large pots with a minimum depth of 30 cm (12in) should be used on a balcony or patio, and dwarf varieties should be chosen. The flowers are edible: they brighten up salads and decorate desserts.