Hemerocallis New Note - Daylily

The Hemerocallis 'New Note' is a reasonably compact but vigorous variety with a beautiful raspberry red flowering full of vivacity mid-season and has the advantage of blooming again at the end of summer. Its medium-sized flowers, somewhat round, with well-curled petals, are marked with a pink-blue median line, giving a subtle cold reflection to the flower. This Hemerocallis, of modest size but with a strong constitution, is perfect in the background of a sunny border and superb in a large pot on the patio.

The genus Hemerocallis belongs to the family Liliaceae. These are perennial and hardy plants with deciduous foliage, sometimes semi-evergreen. The 'New Note', introduced in 1978, grows in a dense clump that will reach 60 cm (24in) in height when in bloom, with a relative spread of 50 cm (20in). Hemerocallis tend to spread a bit when they like the soil. The flowers, which stand out well from the foliage, measure about 15 cm (6in) in diameter. The petals in this variety are thick and very wide, with an iridescent texture that reflects light very well. Each flower lasts only a day, but the flowering repeat flowers continuously over a beautiful period between June and July and then again in September, although more sporadically. The foliage is linear and abundant, deciduous in winter. 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, Hemerocallis thrive in both shade and sun. Some can be invasive, so 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 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 in the background of your borders. All summer bulb flowers can be planted alongside Hemerocallis. 'New Note' will fit perfectly in the setting of a cottage garden, with violet campanulas, penstemons, perennial flaxes, white or violet Hemerocallis ('Little Grapette'), or dark-coloured flowers by its side (Alcea rosea Nigra, Iris Bar de Nuit, Aquilegia vulgaris Black Barow). Large pots of at least 30 cm (12in) deep on a balcony or patio should be used, choosing from the dwarf varieties. The flowers are edible: they brighten up salads and decorate desserts.