Hemerocallis Black Prince - Daylily

Hemerocallis 'Black Prince' possesses the simplicity and slightly wild charm of old varieties, while also having a lot of class. Its flowers are a dark purple-red, dressed in a black reflection that seems to invade its petals in backlight and semi-shade. They bloom in six-branched stars slightly curved, highlighted by a golden median ray, and centred around a dazzling golden yellow throat. Floriferous and robust, it is a problem-free perennial.

The genus Hemerocallis belongs to the family Liliaceae. They are perennial and hardy plants whose foliage is deciduous, sometimes semi-evergreen. The variety 'Black Prince' is a creation from 1942, which elegantly continues its successful career. It grows in a fairly dense tuft that will reach 75 to 80 cm (30 to 32in) in height, with a relative spread of 80 cm (32in), daylilies tend to spread a little when they like the terrain. The flowers measure about 11 cm (4in) in diameter, the petals in this variety are quite narrow and lanceolate, slightly wavy and velvety. Each flower lasts no more than a day, but the flowering continues continuously over a beautiful period between June-July and August. The stems are robust and filled with numerous buds. The foliage is abundant, linear and deciduous. Daylilies are plants with short rhizomes and fleshy rootsthat tolerate dry soils, but are more opulent and more floriferous in moist soil.

Very easy to grow, these plants thrive equally well in shade or in the sun. Some of them are a bit 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, its ability to tolerate any type of environment, but also because of its lack of modesty, it is beautifully exuberant and goes well with other perennials. Plant them in generous clumps in the background of your flower beds. All summer bulb flowers can be planted alongside daylilies. 'Black Prince' will blend perfectly with the decor of a country garden or a natural-style flower bed, accompanied by grasses and other orange, yellow or white daylilies, and asters that will take over after its flowering. On a balcony or patio, large pots of at least 30 cm (12in) deep should be provided, and dwarf varieties are preferred. The flowers are edible: they brighten up salads and decorate desserts.