Hemerocallis Prague Spring - Daylily

The Daylily or Hemerocallis Prague Spring is a variety that is not widely spread in the UK, offering vast and unusual flowers, both in terms of their star shape with six narrow and undulate branches and the wavy texture of their petals, as well as their soft and tangy colour. With a greyish-pink border, the flower is invaded by a large area of pistachio green towards the centre, which extends to the slightly more yellow throat. This perennial blooms in the middle of the daylily season above a beautiful tuft of vibrant green ribbon-like foliage, which is deciduous and adds elegance from spring to autumn.

The genus Hemerocallis belongs to the Liliaceae family. These are  perennial and hardy plants with deciduous foliage, sometimes semi-evergreen. The variety 'Prague Spring', introduced in 1985 and awarded in 2004, grows in a reasonably dense clump that reaches a height of 70-75 cm (28-30in), with a relative spread of 50 cm (20in); daylilies tend to spread a little when they like the soil. The immense 'Spider' type flowers measure about 18 cm (7in) in diameter. In this variety, three larger petals dominate three others, arranged in staggered rows, which are much more recurved. They are thick, particularly pleated and embossed, almost cristate. Each flower lasts only one day, but the flowering continually repeats over a beautiful period between June and July. The stems are sturdy and allow for gorgeous bouquets. The foliage is linear and semi-evergreen. Daylilies are plants with short rhizomes and fleshy roots that tolerate dry soils but are more lush 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. The daylily is often called the perfect perennial plant because of its vibrant colours and ability to tolerate any environment. It is also due to its lack of modesty, as it is exuberant and blends well with other perennials. Plant them in generous clumps at the back of your borders. All summer bulb flowers can be planted alongside daylilies. 'Prague Spring' will fit perfectly into the decor of a romantic garden, with bellflowers, penstemons, perennial flax or phlox by its side. Large pots of at least 30 cm (12in) deep on a balcony or terrace should be used, choosing from dwarf varieties. The flowers are edible: they brighten up salads and decorate desserts.