Hemerocallis ‘El Desperado’ (Daylily)

Hemerocallis ‘El Desperado’ (Daylily) is a compact perennial boasting a profusion of large, mustard-yellow flowers, 5 in. across (13 cm), adorned with a striking wine purple eye above a green throat. Blooming in late summer, the attractive blossoms are held neatly above its compact mound of arching, strap-like, green leaves. Each flower lasts at least 16 hrs (extended blooms) but no more than 24 hours (thus the common name ‘Daylily’), opening up in the morning and withering during the forthcoming night, possibly replaced by another one on the same scape (flower stalk) the next day. This midseason tetraploid daylily is dormant (deciduous).

• Grows up to 28 in. tall (70 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm).
• Thrives in full sun to part sun in average, moist, but well-drained soils. While it performs well in a wide range of soils, fertile loam is preferred. Tolerates heat and summer humidity, but thorough watering is required to ensure its foliage remains attractive.
• An ideal choice for beds and borders, cottage gardens, coastal gardens, rock gardens, as a ground cover, or in containers near the patio.
• Often called the ‘perfect perennial’ because of its numerous qualities: showy flowers, drought tolerance, heat stress immunity, ability to grow in most hardiness zones, and low care requirements, this daylily is a remarkable and stunning addition to the garden.
• Daylilies attract butterflies and hummingbirds but are toxic to cats. Rabbits tend to avoid daylilies.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for mites, aphids, thrips, or daylily rust.
• The best time to plant Daylilies is in early fall or early spring.
• After flowering, remove spent blooms and seedpods to improve the appearance and encourage rebloom. When all the flowers on a scape are finished, cut off the scape close to ground level. Remove dead foliage from daylilies as they die back in the fall.