Hemerocallis 'Dark Monkey' (Daylily) — Clump forming

Overview

Hemerocallis 'Dark Monkey' is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Hemerocallis, part of the Asphodelaceae family, with deciduous, semi-evergreen foliage. Hemerocallis 'Dark Monkey' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include borders and containers.

About

Hemerocallis 'Dark Monkey' is a clump-forming daylily in the Asphodelaceae that flowers from June to August. It carries deciduous to semi-evergreen foliage and prefers a sunny position. Grow it in moist but well-drained soils across chalk, clay, loam or sand, with a neutral to acid or alkaline pH. Use it in borders or in containers where summer blooms are wanted.

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 4.0 — Daylily

In the garden

Hemerocallis 'Dark Monkey' sits within the genus Hemerocallis in the family Asphodelaceae and is grown for its mid-summer flowering habit. As a clump-forming perennial it produces a basal mound of leaves that persists as deciduous to semi-evergreen foliage depending on the season and site. Place Hemerocallis 'Dark Monkey' in a full-sun spot on a south- or west-facing aspect to get the best flowering display. It will tolerate exposed or sheltered sites and suits a broad range of soils — chalk, clay, loam or sand — provided they remain moist but well drained and fall within acid to alkaline pH. The plant carries a UK hardiness rating of H6 (very hardy), so it stands up to winter conditions across most of the country. In the garden it works well in perennial borders and in large containers; give each clump room to form and avoid waterlogged planting sites. Flowering runs from June to August, making it useful for sustained summer colour where flower scapes can be seen from paths, terraces or seating areas.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Hemerocallis

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Hemerocallis 'Dark Monkey' size, habit and characteristics

Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous, Semi-evergreen
Suggested uses: Borders, Containers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hemerocallis 'Dark Monkey'

Propagation: Division in early spring or early autumn
Pest resistance: Aphids, Slugs, Snails, Hemerocallis gall midge, Glasshouse red spider mite, Thrips
Disease resistance: Fungal leaf spot, Rust diseases, Bacterial leaf and stem rot

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Hemerocallis 'Dark Monkey'?

Hemerocallis 'Dark Monkey' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Hemerocallis 'Dark Monkey' need?

Hemerocallis 'Dark Monkey' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.