Daylily Delights

Unique blooms to lure hummingbirds and butterflies

- MELINDA MYERS

OLD VS. NEW DAYLILIES 

All the flowers in this story are new Hemerocallis hybrids. They offer many colors and patterns and are strong, prolific bloomers. Plus they are less aggressive than some older varieties.

1 Rainbow Rhythm Orange Smoothie

ZONES 3 TO 9

A band of light rose near the center of mango colored flowers evokes memories of smoothies or orange push-up treats. The blooms are set on sturdy stems, and the plants will reach up to 24 inches tall. An abundance of buds form in early midsummer and again later in the season. Look for butterflies and hummingbirds!

Why we love it: The plentiful blooms and fragrance are a welcome addition to any garden.

2 Dorothy and Toto

ZONES 3 TO 9

Large 6-inch blooms of fluffy rose, peach and cream with a green throat make this beauty a real standout in the garden. The fragrant flowers appear midseason and again later. The foliage on this 30-inch-tall plant is semi-evergreen, with some green remaining even through winter.

Why we love it: This beauty has received several awards, including the Stout Silver Medal in 2015. The award, which is named after a breeder, is a daylily's highest honor.

3 Primal Scream

ZONES 3 TO 9

This spider daylily has narrow, twisted, ruffled orange blossoms dusted with gold, and a green throat. This 2003 Stout Silver Medal winner is officially classified as an unusual form. The colorful and uniquely shaped 7-to 8-inch blossoms appear in early midsummer and are sure to be a standout in any garden.

Why we love it: At 34 inches tall, it makes a nice addition to the middle or back of a garden bed.