Daylily

Hemerocallis citrina

• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Masses of fragrant, greenish yellow, lily-like flowers, appear continuously in mid summer. It looks fabulous 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. Like most hemerocallis, it is robust and easy to grow, provided you follow the tips below. To fully appreciate the sweetly scented flowers, which open late afternoon and last just one day, plant it close to an entrance or path.

• 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 two 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.

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