Hemerocallis 'Drop Cloth' (Daylily)

About

Hemerocallis 'Drop Cloth' is a cultivar of Hemerocallis in the Asphodelaceae, grown for its transient, single-day blooms. It forms a clump of basal, strap-like leaves and flowers in succession from June to August. Individual open blooms typically last about a day, so display depends on a healthy, flowering clump. Suitable planting and periodic division maintain flowering vigour.

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 'Drop Cloth' belongs to the Hemerocallis genus within the Asphodelaceae and sits among a long tradition of bred daylilies. The genus originates from Asia and has produced thousands of registered cultivars; some species' petals are used as food while others can be toxic, so avoid eating any plant material without confirmation of identity. Plant Hemerocallis 'Drop Cloth' with enough space for the basal leaves to arch and the crown at soil level; the plants grow from rhizomes and form clumps that can be split to refresh vigour. Choose a site that avoids prolonged waterlogging and allows the clump to establish; a layer of mulch around the crown will reduce weed competition and moderate soil moisture. Water at root level during dry spells rather than wetting the foliage. Expect flowers from June to August, produced sequentially so a single division or several plants sited together will give the appearance of continuous bloom. Where repeated flowering is required, divide larger clumps in spring or autumn to promote fresh shoots and more flower scapes. Bear in mind that individual blooms last only a day, so plant Hemerocallis 'Drop Cloth' where regular succession of flowers is desirable rather than single long-lasting blooms.

More in the Hemerocallis genus

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