Hemerocallis Lady Fingers - Daylily

The Daylily or Hemerocallis 'Lady Fingers' is almost 50 years old, but this unusual variety, with its spider-like flowers, has not lost any of the elegance and beauty that made it stand out and be rewarded, albeit belatedly, in 2007. It bears flowers with a very spring-like charm, composed of thin and sinuous petals of a pale acid yellow infused with green, arranged in a star shape around a small anise green throat. This Hemerocallis blooms in June-July, extending spring into summer. It is a robust, healthy, floriferous perennial, easy to grow in ordinary, deep soil and not too dry in summer.

The genus Hemerocallis belongs to the family Liliaceae. These are  deciduous, sometimes semi-evergreen,  hardy perennial plants. The variety 'Lady Fingers', introduced in 1967, remains one of the best in its category due to its reliability. Its 'Spider' type flowers stand out for their streamlined appearance, attributable to their long, narrow and curved petals. It forms a fairly dense clump that will reach 75-80 cm (30-32in) in height when in bloom, with a relative spread of 60 cm (24in). Hemerocallis tend to spread a little when they like the soil. The medium-sized flowers measure approximately 15 cm (6in) in diameter and display a fairly rare colour, a tangy yellow-green that can enhance or calm other shades. Each flower lasts no more than a day, but the abundant and faithful flowering, which occurs every year, continues continuously from June to July. The stems are sturdy and adorned with numerous buds. The foliage is linear and deciduous. Hemerocallis are plants with short rhizomes and fleshy roots that tolerate drought but are more floriferous and opulent 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. Hemerocallis is often called the perfect perennial plant because of its vibrant colours and ability to tolerate any environment. But also because of its lack of modesty, it is beautifully exuberant and blends well with other perennials. Plant them in generous clumps in the background of your flowerbeds. All summer bulb flowers can be planted alongside Hemerocallis. 'Lady Fingers' will fit perfectly into the design of a contemporary or wild garden, with ornamental grasses, dwarf bamboo, Nandina, botanical lilies, or yarrows by its side. Its neutral and fresh colour complements all the garden flowers, from the most delicate to the brightest and even the darkest. Large pots of at least 30 cm (12in) deep on a balcony or patio should be provided, and dwarf varieties should be chosen. The flowers are edible: they add colour to salads and decorate desserts.