Hemerocallis Chicago Sunrise - Daylily

Hemerocallis 'Chicago Sunrise' is a highly floriferous variety with large fragrant flowers in the colours of a sunrise. In July-August, this summer perennial produces an abundance of round, golden yellow to dark yellow flowers. It has a clump of beautiful, slender, long and arching light green leaves throughout the year, except during the winter season. It is a timeless plant, both hardy and low-maintenance. It thrives in any soil, even clayey and dry, as long as it receives some sunlight.

The genus Hemerocallis belongs to the Asphodelaceae family, closely related to the lily family. They are hardy and perennial plants with deciduous or semi-evergreen foliage. 'Chicago Sunrise', introduced in 1969 by James March, reaches a height of 60cm (24in) with a spread of 80cm (32in). The flowers measure between 8 and 12cm (3 and 5in) in diameter. Individually, they last only for a day, but they continuously bloom between July and August. The stems are robust and make beautiful bouquets. The foliage is linear and semi-evergreen. Daylilies have short rhizomes and fleshy roots that tolerate dry soils, but they are more abundant and floriferous in moist soil.

These plants are very easy to grow and thrive in both shade and sun. Some of them can be slightly invasive, so divide the clumps every four or five years, preferably in autumn after flowering. Daylilies are often called the perfect perennial plant due to their vibrant colours, ability to tolerate any environment, and their exuberant nature that blends well with other perennials. Plant them in generous clumps in the background of your flower beds. All summer bulb flowers can be planted alongside daylilies. 'Chicago Sunrise' will fit perfectly in the setting of a romantic garden, with bellflowers, penstemons, perennial flaxes, or phlox. Plant dwarf varieties in large pots with a minimum depth of 30cm (12in) and place them on a balcony or patio.

The flowers are edible: they enhance 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. More than 60,000 cultivars, mostly resulting from hybridisation by gardening enthusiasts, are listed, appreciated, and studied by international hemerocallis societies.