Hemerocallis Graces of Ganymede - Daylily

The Daylily or Hemerocallis 'Graces of Ganymede', with its large light yellow flowers with a translucent pinkish-red halo, is a beautiful evocation of the largest moon in our solar system. With its bright, prolonged, and rather early flowering, this cultivar deserves a prime spot in the garden. Its foliage is absent in winter. The flowers repeat during a beautiful period between June and July.

The Hemerocallis genus belongs to the Liliaceae or Hemerocallidaceae family according to classifications. These are hardy and perennial plants with deciduous foliage, sometimes semi-evergreen. The 'Graces of Ganymede' variety was obtained in 2003 by Reed. The plant forms a rather dense clump that will reach about 75 cm (30in) in height, with a relative spread of 50 cm (20in). Hemerocallis tend to spread a bit when they like their surroundings. The flowers measure about 15 cm (6in) in diameter. They are composed of 3 large, rather narrow petals, slightly twisted and undulated at the edges, and 3 slightly smaller sepals. The petals and sepals are a very bright yellow, with a fairly light pinkish-red halo on the petals. The throat is yellow-green chartreuse. Each flower blooms in the morning, lasting no more than a day, but the flowering period extends over a long summer period. Each floral stem has 3 branches, with 21 to 25 flower buds that bloom successively. The foliage is linear, bright green, and deciduous in winter: it emerges from the ground in spring and dries up in autumn. Hemerocallis are plants with short rhizomes and fleshy roots that tolerate dry soils but are more opulent and floriferous in moist soil.

Very easy to grow, these plants thrive in both shade and sun. Some can be invasive, so don't 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 and ability to tolerate any environment. It is also known for its lack of modesty, as it is beautifully exuberant and blends well with other perennials. Plant them in generous clumps at the back of your flowerbeds. All summer bulb flowers (lilies, agapanthus, ixias, etc.) can be planted alongside hemerocallis. 'Graces of Ganymede' is a refined, elegant, and luminous variety to be highlighted alongside light-coloured flowers and foliage in shades of blue, white, orange, red, or yellow. For example, it pairs well with perennial flax, grasses, and chamomiles. The flowers are edible: they brighten up salads and decorate desserts.