As Bright as a July Day

I think of July as brightest of the bright flowers and this July is no different.

Hemerocallis "Vera Biaglow"

As much as it's a thrill to see the first daylilies of the season start to bloom, I'm glad for the late bloomers because they continue into a time where most things have done their beauty and are now sitting quietly waiting for dormancy.  

"Vera Biaglow" is a 6 inch deep rose pink bloom with ruffled edges and a small green/yellow throat.  Lots of texture.  28-34 inch scapes.  Mid to late bloomer.  Dormant.  Honorable Mention and Award of Merit winner.  I loved VB so much I saw it two different times - two different nurseries and bought it twice.  It was before I began keeping track. . .

Hemerocallis "Golden Prize"

"Golden Prize" is exactly that!  A 7 inch flat bright gold self with ruffled edges.  26 inch scapes.  Heavily crepes.  Dormant.  Tetraploid.  Late bloomer plus rebloom.  Does well in partial shade.  Lenington All American Award & Award of Merit.  This lily can be had for around $6 and is so vigorous I've divided many times.  (Every time you divide a lily, divide the original cost by the number of divisions and pretty soon it will be free - rationalization at it's daylily best.)  It heats up and brightens anyplace it sits.  Always dependable.

Hemerocallis "Bryan Paul"

"Bryan Paul" is in the family bed for son-in-law, Paul, and Jerry's grandpa, Papa Bryan.  A 6 1/2 inch deep ruby red with velvet surface.  Yellow throat and some have white edges.  24 inch scapes.  Some light ruffling and lighter midribs.  Early to mid season plus rebloom.  Evergreen.  

Hemerocallis "Flaming Sword"

"Flaming Sword" was introduced in 1945 which means it's heading towards Heirloom status.  5 inch spider orange red with a gold star eye.  Heavy midribs.  Strap like petals, 36 inch scapes and VERY fragrant.  A vigorous grower.  Dormant.  Diploid.  Mid to late season bloomer. 

To deadhead lilies or not:  

• I deadhead my lilies and I don't hybridize.
• Yesterday's dead lily is usually a wet mushy ugly mess that detracts from the beauty of today's blooms.
• Dead blooms will sometimes lay on new blooms preventing them from opening.
• Letting the seed pod develop saps energy from the plant - pods are not needed if you don't hybridize or want self seeding.
• Deadheading gives you a chance to inspect and admire.
• Some owners put dead blooms in a bucket and then the composter to keep their beds looking clean.
• I usually toss them on the ground and let them compost naturally unless I'm expecting guests and want to keep it looking better.