Wednesday, July 23, 2003
Botanical name: Hemerocallis "Jungle Beauty"
Attributes: Jungle Beauty is a new, dark-flowered day lily whose flowers do not fade in our intense summer sun and high heat. This day lily is very striking, and though each flower lasts only one day, it produces stalks of buds that bloom for several weeks. It is very heat- and drought-tolerant.
Bloom color: Reddish black
Bloom time: July
Culture: Plant day lilies anytime the soil is workable from spring through fall. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and full sun but will do well in average soil and part shade. Water them well until they are established; deep watering during dry spells prevents the lower foliage from browning. Fertilize day lilies in May while flower scapes are forming, and cut off these stalks after flowering. Untidy foliage can be sheared off to encourage a new flush of foliage.
Landscaping tips: Plant Jungle Beauty day lily for a striking accent in masses of other perennials or day lilies. They look particularly bold with light-colored plants such as variegated Miscanthus grass and Bonica or Seafoam roses. Jungle Beauty day lily looks very striking with a blend of orange, red and pink day lilies and really brings out the dark "eyes" of daylilies like "Pandora's Box," "Twiggy" and "Bold One." Jungle Beauty is also an excellent addition to a "black" flowered border with plants like "Nigra" hollyhocks, Chocolate cosmos and "Black" Sweet William.
Cost: Ranges from about $10 for a bare-root, single fan-size plant up to $15 for a gallon-size plant.
Source: Powell Gardens (www.powellgardens.org)