Hemerocallis Moonlight Masquerade - Daylily

The Daylily or Hemerocallis 'Moonlight Masquerade' is a true must-have for enthusiasts of this plant. This large variety bears wide triangular flowers with a diameter of 15 cm (6in), bi-coloured and well contrasted. Its undulating petals are cream, inhabited by a soft melon shade, and its base is spotted with a large purple zone and, at the same time, finely edged with the same dark red tone. The throat is deep, chartreuse green. This exceptional perennial is easy to grow in any region and is floriferous and robust. Full of life, elegant and superb!

The genus Hemerocallis belongs to the family Liliaceae. These are  hardy perennial plants with deciduous foliage, sometimes semi-evergreen. The variety 'Moonlight Masquerade' is invariably positioned in American professionals' Top 10 most appreciated cultivars. This variety forms a fairly dense clump that reaches 60 to 70 cm (24 to 28in) in height, with a relative spread of 70 cm (28in). Daylilies tend to spread a little when they like the soil. The flowers measure about 15 cm (6in) in diameter; the petals in this variety are thick and slightly translucent, delicately crimped and lanceolate. The distribution of colours is particularly careful: the dark red halo at the heart of the flower is diffuse, radiating towards the pale flesh of the petals and on the other side towards the green throat. The stamens adopt a trio of identical colours: green, purple and cream towards the dark anthers. Each flower lasts no more than a day, but the flowering repeats continuously over a beautiful period between mid-June and July. The stems are robust and filled with numerous buds. The foliage is linear and semi-evergreen. Daylilies are plants with short rhizomes and fleshy roots that tolerate dry soils but are more opulent and floriferous in fresh soil.

Very easy to grow, these plants succeed as well in shade as in the sun. Some are invasive; do not 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 and ability to tolerate any type of environment. Due to its lack of modesty, it is a beautiful exuberance that goes well with other perennials. Plant them in generous clumps in the background of your flower beds. All summer flowering bulbous plants can be planted alongside daylilies. 'Moonlight Masquerade' will be highlighted in a large bed of perennials or annuals, paired with grasses, beautiful foliage such as fennel or lady's mantle, wildflowers such as ornamental carrots, asphodels, chamomile or Ammi visnaga that will not overshadow the beauty of its flowers. On a balcony or patio, large pots with a minimum depth of 30 cm (12in) should be provided and chosen from dwarf varieties. The flowers are edible: they brighten up salads and decorate desserts.