Hemerocallis Abstract Art - Daylily

Hemerocallis 'Abstract Art' is an old variety, nowadays little distributed in the horticultural trade, which still seduces with its star-shaped flowers of beautiful size, composed of petals nuanced in pink and lavender, veined in purple-pink, arranged on sepals in honey tones. The corolla is illuminated by a wide golden throat plunging into a small green centre. This variety, far from being bland, is both pastel, refined and unusual. Its vegetation is vigorous, quickly forming beautiful flowering clumps in summer in an ordinary soil, fertile, not too dry however.

Hemerocallis belongs to the family Liliaceae. These are perennial and hardy plants whose foliage is deciduous or semi-evergreen. The variety 'Abstract Art', dating back to 1965, quickly forms a dense clump that will reach 80 cm (32in) in height, with a relative spread of 60 cm (24in), it will expand if the soil suits it. The flowers measure about 15-16 cm (6in) in diameter, they have quite narrow floral parts, the 3 pink petals being wider, more embossed and more undulate than the 3 more yellow sepals. Bright, they do not last more than a day, but they continuously renew themselves over a beautiful period between June and July. The stems are sturdy and allow for beautiful bouquets. The foliage is thick, linear and deciduous in winter. Hemerocallis are plants with short rhizomes and fleshy roots.

Very easy to grow, these plants succeed as well in shade as in sun. Some of them are a bit invasive, do not hesitate to divide the clumps every four or five years, preferably in autumn, after flowering. Hemerocallis is often called 'the perfect perennial plant', because of its vibrant colours, its ability to tolerate any type of environment, but also due to its lack of modesty, it is of a beautiful exuberance that goes well with other perennials. Plant them in generous clumps at the back of your borders. All summer bulb flowers can be planted alongside Hemerocallis. Gladioli find in this bushy plant an excellent natural support, it is then no longer necessary to stake them. The same goes for lilies, whose subtly shaped flower is showcased here. Of course, all garden plants are welcome, a mix of delphiniums, daisies, lupins is always very successful... Also consider grasses, with their supple and light habit. On a balcony or patio, large pots of at least 30 cm (12in) deep should be provided and prefer dwarf varieties. The flowers are edible: they brighten up salads and decorate desserts.