Hemerocallis Crimson Pirate - Daylily

Hemerocallis 'Crimson Pirate' has a very elegant flowering. The medium-sized flowers display a vibrant Chinese red with a dark brown halo at the centre, while the throat adds a touch of orange. Similar to the "Spider" type, its petals are narrow and delicate. It is a variety that blooms a bit later than most other daylilies, so expect it in August and September rather than July. 'Crimson Pirate' thrives in full sun and is equally happy in a pot on the patio or in the garden. It is indestructible and foolproof!

The genus Hemerocallis belongs to the family of Liliaceae. These are perennial and hardy plants with deciduous or semi-evergreen foliage. 'Crimson Pirate' will reach 50 to 70 cm (20 to 28in) in height, with a spread of 50 cm (20in). The foliage, a beautiful bright green, is thick, linear, and deciduous, forming a generously bushy clump from which sturdy flower stalks emerge. Individually, the flowers last no more than a day, but they continuously renew themselves from mid-summer until the beginning of autumn. The corollas measure 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5in) in diameter. Daylilies are plants with short rhizomes and fleshy roots.

Very easy to grow, these perennials thrive equally well in shade and sun. Some of them can be a bit invasive, so don't hesitate to divide the clumps every four or five years, after flowering in autumn. Daylilies are often called 'the perfect perennial plant', due to their vibrant colours, their ability to tolerate any type of environment, but also out of lack of modesty. They have a beautiful exuberance that blends well with other perennials. Plant 'Crimson Pirate' in your borders or in large pots for the terrace, making sure to use a container with a minimum depth of 30 cm (12in). To accompany daylilies, consider summer-flowering bulbs and the graceful habit of grasses to lighten up your compositions. 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 colors and forms. Over 60,000 cultivars, mostly resulting from hybridizations by gardening enthusiasts, are listed, appreciated, and studied by international Hemerocallis societies.