Hemerocallis Alaqua - Daylily

Daylily 'Alaqua' is adorned with magnificent flowers. The cream-pink petals bear a burgundy-violet almost brown spot in the centre and a fine edge of the same shade along the fringed edges. The throat of the flower is yellow. The flowers appear in July until September and remain open for at least 16 hours a day.  Foliage is evergreen.

The genus Hemerocallis belongs to the family Hemerocallidaceae, close to that of Liliaceae. They are perennial and hardy plants with deciduous or semi-evergreen foliage. 'Alaqua' will reach a height of 50 cm (20in), with a spread of 40 cm (16in). The flowers measure 13 cm (5in) in diameter. Individually, they last no more than a day, but they continuously renew between July and August. The floral stems are sturdy and the thick, linear foliage is evergreen in this variety. Daylilies are plants with short rhizomes and fleshy roots.

Very easily cultivated, these undoubtedly hardy perennial plants thrive in both sun and shade. Some varieties spread more than others, and dividing the clumps in autumn allows enthusiasts to exchange their finds. The daylily is often called the 'perfect perennial', due to its vibrant colours, its ability to tolerate any type of environment, and its charming exuberance that is most pleasing in a garden. Plant 'Alaqua' in generous clumps at the forefront of your flower beds. To accompany it,  consider summer-flowering bulbs for variety, and to bring some lightness with the graceful habit of a grass. This compact cultivar is perfectly suited for container gardening to adorn a balcony or patio.  It will require a large pot of at least 30 cm (12in) deep. The flowers are edible: they brighten up salads and decorate desserts.

Many varieties have been developed in Japan, where they are very popular. The flowers of these plants come in a wide range of colours and forms. Over 60,000 cultivars, most resulting from hybridisation by gardening enthusiasts, are listed, appreciated, and studied by international Hemerocallis societies.