Hemerocallis Thumbelina - Daylily

Hemerocallis 'Thumbelina', just like its cousins Stella de Oro and Little Cadet, belongs to this group of rather old and small-sized daylilies, whose generosity remains unmatched, even if the plant does not benefit from a very sunny exposure. Its small-sized, trumpet-shaped bright orange flowers bloom abundantly and for a long period during the summer. Flowering sometimes extends into late summer if the soil remains moist. With moderate growth, this variety is ideal for small gardens and container gardening. Full of life and versatile, it is easy to grow in all regions.

The Hemerocallis genus belongs to the Liliaceae family. They are perennial and hardy plants with deciduous, sometimes semi-evergreen foliage. The 'Thumbelina' variety, introduced in 1956 and diploid, has been awarded multiple times and has given rise to 7 other more recent varieties. The plant forms a fairly dense clump that will not exceed 40-45 cm (16-18 in) in height, with a relative spread of 40 cm (16 in). Daylilies tend to spread a little when they like the soil. The flowers, of modest size, measure approximately 5-6 cm (2 in) in diameter. The petals in this variety are thick and speckled, of a pure and vibrant orange colour. Each flower lasts only one day, but flowering continuously and generously renews itself over a long period between June and July, or even again until September. The stems are sturdy and filled with numerous buds. The foliage is linear, light green, and deciduous. Daylilies are plants with short rhizomes and fleshy roots that tolerate dry soils but are more lush and floriferous in moist soil.

What a pretty and generous little variety! Easy to grow, this daylily thrives both in shade and in the sun, confirming the extreme generosity of the smaller varieties and their versatility, from pots on sunny terraces or balconies to the edge of a shrubbery. Daylilies are often called "the perfect perennial plant" because of their vibrant colours and their ability to tolerate any type of environment, but also due to their lack of modesty, as they are beautifully exuberant and blend well with a multitude of other plants. Plant them in generous clumps in the background of your flower beds. All summer bulb flowers can be planted alongside daylilies. 'Thumbelina' will stand out at the edge of a large bed of perennials or annuals, associated with grasses like Pennisetum setaceum Rubrum, tritomas, beautiful foliage plants like fennel or lady's mantle, and wildflowers like ornamental carrots, asphodels, chamomile, or Ammi visnaga that will not overshadow the beauty of its flowers. The flowers are edible: they brighten up salads and garnish desserts.