Hemerocallis Mildred Mitchell - Daylily

The Hemerocallis 'Mildred Mitchell' has a magnificent original and pastel flower, lavender mauve, with a wide blue halo illuminated in the centre of the petals by white silver spots. Large chartreuse green heart, fragrant.

The Hemerocallis 'Mildred Mitchell' belongs to the Liliaceae family. It is one of the many cultivars derived from hardy perennial plants with deciduous or semi-evergreen foliage, native to central Europe and temperate regions of Asia. This variety is tetraploid. It forms a clump that will reach 60 cm (24in) in height, with a spread of 40 cm (16in). The individual, fragrant flowers last no more than a day, but they repeat flowers on sturdy stems above thick, linear, deciduous foliage in July-August. Single flowers with thick substance, undulated edges, measuring 12 to 15 cm (5 to 6in) in diameter. Hemerocallis are plants with short rhizomes and fleshy roots.

*tetraploid: having 4n chromosomes in its cells, with the diploid number 2n being the normal number. A corresponding polyploid cell is larger with a higher water content than a diploid cell. This results in larger vegetative (leaves, stems, roots) and reproductive (flowers, fruits) structures that develop more slowly. This factor accentuates desirable characteristics (stronger stems, larger flowers, brighter colours, etc.　

Hemerocallis is often called the "perfect perennial plant" due to its vibrant colours and ability to tolerate drought and thrive in many different climate zones while requiring little maintenance. Very easy to grow, Hemerocallis are resistant to pests and diseases, so there is no need to treat them. These plants do well in shade and sun: 4 to 5 hours of sunlight daily is sufficient. Plant them in good ordinary garden soil that does not retain water permanently, especially in winter. They will quickly thrive, spreading without hesitation. It is best to plant them between September and April, burying the base 3 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) below the surface. Arranging the roots on a small mound of fine, light soil is advisable. The average planting distance between two plants is 70 to 80 cm (28 to 32in) (30 cm (12in) for dwarf varieties). During the first two months after planting, it is good to keep the soil moist. After that, Hemerocallis require no further care except for cutting back the withered stems to ground level. Apply a little complete fertiliser in early spring. Some Hemerocallis can be somewhat invasive, so divide the clumps every four or five years, preferably in autumn, after flowering.

There are many varieties of Hemerocallis. The smaller ones (30 cm (12in) tall) are excellent border plants along paths or in flower beds. They can also be planted in clumps in rockeries. The larger Hemerocallis (up to 1 m (3ft)) go wonderfully well with other perennial plants. Plant them in generous clumps at the back of flower beds. Hemerocallis are surprisingly underused as cut flowers, even though they continue to produce new flowers on cut stems for several days. All summer bulb flowers can be planted alongside Hemerocallis. Gladioli find excellent natural support in this clump-forming plant, eliminating the need for staking. The same goes for lilies, whose subtly shaped flowers are enhanced here. Oriental varieties are preferred, with their trailing flowers providing a perfect complement to the open cups of Hemerocallis. Of course, all garden plants are welcome, especially gaillardias, lychnis, monardas, goldenrods, and phlox. A mix of delphiniums, daisies, and lupins is always very successful. Also consider grasses, with their flexible and light habit. Large pots or wooden crates with a minimum depth of 30 cm (12in) should be provided on a balcony or terrace. In this case, use dwarf varieties.

Hemerocallis (in botanical language) comes from the Greek hemero, which means a day, and kallo, which means beauty. It can, therefore, be poetically called "beauty of a day". Many varieties have been developed in Japan, where it is very popular.