7 Orange Daylilies

Hemerocallis fulva

The Hemerocallis fulva, also known as tawny daylily, is a botanical species. It is well-known among enthusiasts for its vigorous and early flowering.
It produces a single flower of deep orange, leaning towards brown, and its recurved sepals are striated with russet and feature a cream median. The yellow throat surrounded by a russet eye adds further light to the overall flower.
This is a tall species, reaching about 1.20 m at ripeness with a spread of 80 cm. From May to June, its flowers, approximately 8 cm in size, renew abundantly.

In the back of a border, it is appreciated in contrast with the intense purple of a Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’, the upright spikes of a Delphinium belladonna ‘Kleine Nachtmusik’, or with the purplish hue of a Lupin ‘West Country Masterpiece’.

In a colour scheme, one might consider the Kniphofia ‘Flamenco’ and the Coreopsis verticillata ‘Route 66’.

Hemerocallis ‘Fulva’

Hemerocallis fulva 'Flore Pleno'

The Hemerocallis fulva ‘Flore Pleno’ in its double-flowered form is also worth a look! Equally vigorous, though slightly shorter (90 cm), its flowering is later: July and August.
Take a moment to appreciate its flower: very full, the orange is vibrant, with red veins and eye, and a yellow throat. Its double form gives it a tousled appearance, with undulating petals.

This variety also pairs well with sages like the Salvia hybrid ‘Amistad’. A Geranium phaeum such as ‘Lily Lovell’, which is very dark, adds a light touch to the ensemble.

Another combination of fulva ‘Flore Pleno’ with the Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’ in summer fruit colours, enlivened by an Helenium ‘Rubinzwerg’, offers a dazzling display.

Hemerocallis fulva ‘Flore Pleno’

Hemerocallis 'Double Dream'

The Hemerocallis ‘Double Dream’ is of a romantic kind. The often vivid and dynamic character of daylilies softens in some varieties, which can therefore be used differently.
‘Double Dream’ is a hybrid variety with a height of 60 cm. Its double flowers are a very soft orange, between salmon and peach. It has slightly darker veins and a white midrib. Its sepals are dentate and slightly fringed. The overall appearance of the flower is crumpled. They are large, measuring 12 cm. It blooms all summer, from June to September.

In combination, as it has softened its orange tone, you can also soften the purple tone and lean more towards mauve. Some delicate and soft Asters pyrenaeus ‘Lutetia’ bring lightness, just like a Verbena hastata, which has a slightly more intense tone.

Feel free to create a palette of pastel tones, with a soft blue for example. The Catananche caerulea ‘Cupidone’ or the Delphinium ‘Pacific Summer Skies’ make beautiful companions.

Hemerocallis ‘Double Dream’

Daylily ‘Thumbelina’

At a height of 40 cm, featuring small flowers of 5-6 cm, the Hemerocallis ‘Thumbelina’ is very generous: it blooms abundantly in June and July and can be repeat flowering in September in cool soil. Its lovely trumpet-shaped flowers in a bright, vivid orange on a dense clump brighten up borders, pots, and the foreground or midground of flower beds.

Its simplicity evokes naturalistic gardens, and it can be paired with an Achillea ‘Walter Funcke’ in warm tones, a Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’ with brown-red tips, and a Sanguisorba ‘Chocolate tip’ with dark purple flowers.

Hemerocallis ‘Thumbelina’ (© Pépinières Lepage)

Hemerocallis ‘Frans Hals’

The original and dynamic Hemerocallis ‘Frans Hals’ is bicolour: three bright yellow petals paired with three purple-red petals featuring yellow throats and midribs.

At a height of 70 cm with medium-sized flowers, it catches the eye and invites you to surround it with exotic plants that can hold their own: a Cordyline australis like ‘Torbay Dazzler’ with its long striated leaves of green, brown, and yellow, a Crocosmia ‘Hellfire’, a striking red, and a Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Midnight’.

Hemerocallis ‘Frans Hals’

Hemerocallis ‘Burning Daylight’

In a blazing orange, the Hemerocallis ‘Burning Daylight’ is anything but subtle! Its slightly plicate and recurved petals are adorned with light yellow midribs and an orange-red eye. The throat is light yellow like the midrib, creating a very bright overall appearance. The plant reaches 70 cm in height and 60 cm in width, with large flowers measuring up to 15 cm in diameter. This is a fragrant variety that blooms from July to September.

Why not try a combination of opulent flowers here? A Lilium x regale ‘African Queen’, both close and opposite to our daylily: its trailing flowers contrast with the upward-facing blooms of ‘Burning Daylight’. Its pattern is inverted, with yellow petals and an orange midrib. Plant bulbs of Gladiolus ‘Cream Perfection’ to add freshness and grace. Some clumps of Pennisetum orientale ‘Fairy Tale’ with upright spikes lighten the scene, while dark-flowered Dahlias like the Dahlia Anemone ‘Soulman’ enliven the ensemble.

Hemerocallis ‘Burning Daylight’

Hemerocallis ‘Apricot Beauty’

The unique Hemerocallis ‘Apricot Beauty’ captivates with its double apricot flowers enhanced by a chevron and striations of fiery red. They are large, measuring 12 cm in diameter, and appear in July and August on stems 70 cm tall.

Imagine it on a border of Heucheras with very dark foliage like Heuchera ‘Black Pearl’, alongside Campanulas with peach-like leaves, Campanula persicifolia ‘La Belle’ in intense lavender blue, globe thistles, Echinops ritro, and grey-leaved Wormwood, Artemisia ludoviciana ‘Silver Queen’. This high-contrast tableau modernises this romantic daylily and draws attention!

Hemerocallis ‘Apricot Beauty’