Hemerocallis 'Stafford'
daylily
- Position: full sun
- Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: July
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Masses of scarlet, lily-like flowers with yellow midribs and throats appear continuously in mid summer. This daylily looks stunning planted in drifts in a sunny mixed or herbaceous border among 'hot' colours, or with cannas and montbretias as companions. The bright green, strap-like leaves are semi-evergreen in mild areas, and soon form large clumps of strap-like foliage that helps to suppress weeds and disguise the dying foliage of spring-flowering bulbs. Like most hemerocallis, it is robust and easy to grow, provided you follow the tips below. It's best to provide some protection in really sunny sites as the scarlet blooms are suspectible to sun-scorch. - Garden care: The Greek term 'hemerocallis' means 'beautiful for a day', and daylilies need regular deadheading to prolong flowering and prevent their unsightly deadheads from dominating the scene. Each stem carries several flowers, so snap off each flower as it fades. When the stem has finished flowering, cut it down to the ground. After the plant has finished flowering altogether, pull out the dead leaves. When the foliage is looking tatty, cut it down to the ground and fresh new growth will appear. Lift and divide every three years in spring to keep the rhizomes vigorous and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant. Water frequently from spring until the buds appear.
Monarda 'Squaw'
bergamot
Brilliant red flowers. Mildew-resistant
Achillea 'Walther Funcke'
yarrow
Bright, terracotta flowers with flat heads
Euphorbia griffithii 'Fireglow'
spurge
Deep orange flowers. Perfect in a border of hot colours
Lonicera × tellmanniana
honeysuckle
Burnt amber flowers
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A classic red stunner with recurved crimson flowers subtly lined in soft-white - from July onwards - and the light-green foliage lifts spring too
Val Bourne - Garden Writer