Overview

Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' is a clump-forming perennial in the genus Hemerocallis, part of the Asphodelaceae family, with deciduous or semi-evergreen, arching, strap-shaped, fresh green foliage. Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, mass planting and containers.

About

Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' (Black Magic Daylily) is a perennial cultivar of the Hemerocallis genus, known for its slight fragrance. This daylily thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic or alkaline pH. Suitable for borders, mass planting, and containers, it is hardy to UK zone H5. Planting is best done in spring or autumn, with regular watering during dry spells. Removing spent flower stalks encourages further blooming, and foliage should be cut back in late autumn. Propagation is by division.

About the genus

A daylily, day lily or ditch-lily is a flowering plant in the genus Hemerocallis, a member of the family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Hemerocallidoideae, native to Asia. Despite the common name, it is not taxonomically classified in the lily genus. Gardening enthusiasts and horticulturists have long bred Hemerocallis species for their attractive flowers; a select few species of the genus have edible petals, while some are extremely toxic.

Wikipedia contributors, "Daylily", CC BY-SA 4.0Daylily

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Hemerocallis

Sunlight
full sun, partial shade
Soil type
well-drained, fertile
Soil pH
neutral, slightly acidic, slightly alkaline
Soil moisture
moist, well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
perennial
Habit
Clump-forming
Foliage
Deciduous or semi-evergreen, Arching, Strap-shaped, Fresh green
Suggested uses
borders, mass planting, containers
Fragrance
slight fragrance

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hemerocallis 'Black Magic'

Cultivation
Plant in spring or autumn; prefers well-drained soil; water regularly during dry periods.
Pruning
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage further blooming; cut back foliage in late autumn.
Propagation
division
Pest resistance
Slugs, Snails, Hemerocallis gall midge, Thrips
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Hemerocallis 'Black Magic'?

Plant in spring or autumn; prefers well-drained soil; water regularly during dry periods.

Where is the best place to plant Hemerocallis 'Black Magic'?

Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' need?

Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' grows best in well-drained and fertile soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.

How do I prune Hemerocallis 'Black Magic'?

Remove spent flower stalks to encourage further blooming; cut back foliage in late autumn.

Is Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' hardy in the UK?

Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Hemerocallis 'Black Magic'?

Division.

More in the Hemerocallis genus

Browse all Hemerocallis