August 3, 2009

Mugshots: 4 Pink Daylilies, Part II


Last week I posted about my four rosy-pink daylilies, and this post includes my four peachy-pink daylilies.


1. Dublin Elaine – 32 in tall scapes, 5.5 in flowers, midseason, deciduous, from Oakes Daylilies


This plant won the 2009 All-American Exhibition award from the All-American Daylily Selection Council. It’s taller than I would prefer, but I ordered it anyway based on reports of its vigor: up to 40 blooms on a scape (flower stalk) plus rapid growth of the clump and good rebloom (rare for a pink or a double). The one-year-old plant is growing well and putting out numerous scapes. It began blooming in late July, and the color is really, really lovely: glowing mid coral-pink, with diamond dusting that sparkles in the sun.


All of the pictures above are Dublin Elaine; I obviously got carried away snapping photos of her. As you can see in the photo below, not all of the blooms have been double, but I like the single flowers as well.


2. Millie Schlumpf – 20 in tall scapes, 6 in flowers, early, evergreen, from Oakes


Obviously this is a daylily worth having just for its name! This plant was the first of my daylilies – other than Stella d’Oro – to begin blooming, with its first flowers opening at the end of June. The flowers are a clear, glowing peachy-pink.


Though Oakes lists the flowers as 6 inches wide, they seem smaller than that to me. They have fewer ruffles and less substance than some of the others, but the blooms open completely and still look fresh in the evening. I find myself really enjoying this perky daylily (pictured below as well).


3. Barbara Mitchell – 20 in tall scapes, 6 in flowers, midseason, semi-evergreen, from Oakes


Barbara is an old favorite for many gardeners, and I can see why. The blooms are peachy-pink with hints of dusky rose, and they have plenty of substance and ruffles.


Blooming began at the beginning of July, and rebloom is expected.


Mine have a problem staying fresh throughout the day, though. By late afternoon, the edges start to look ragged. The flower color isn’t as special as some of my other pinks, but this is still a nice plant.


4. Seminole Wind – 23 in tall scapes, 6.5 in flowers, early-midseason, semi-evergreen, from Oakes


The color of this daylily is complex and beautiful – coppery-coral-rose with a golden throat. When it began blooming at the beginning of July, I found myself repeatedly drawn to it from across the front yard. After an unusually cool week with highs in the 70’s, the color deepened to an especially intriguing shade, but none of my pictures turned out of those blooms. The color-drenched flowers stand out clearly despite the glare of the summer sun (though they might be lighter in hotter climates). They also boast plenty of substance and nice ruffles. This plant is a winner in my book!


I hope these observations are helpful to you. In a few years, I’ll be able to write more on the growth habits and vigor of these daylilies. Meanwhile, I’ll be doing posts on my peach daylilies after they all bloom. Apricot Sparkles, Jean Swann, Spanish Glow, Siloam Double Classic, Autumn Wood, Smoky Mountain Autumn, and Elizabeth Salter will be included.

7 comments:

  1. I can see why you took lots of photos of Dublin Elaine, she's pretty. Great blooms VW.

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  2. I love the pink ones and have some of the same varieties. They get better each year. Yours are looking good.

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  3. I love them all, but that Dublin Elaine has such pretty double blooms. I don't think I've seen many double daylilies.

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  4. Hi VW ~~ Great post! They're all delicious. Your garden must be spectacular.

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  5. Your garden is one garden I'd truly like to see. I so admire your care with choosing all of your plants. These daylilies are stunning!

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  6. Wow, what a wonderful collection you have, and that's just part of it! I don't think I can pick a favorite. I love them all. I am sad that mine are almost all finished blooming, but a few should rebloom.

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  7. Wow VW, 40 blooms on a scape, that is beyond vigorous! This is a color I adore. Barbara Mitchell came home with me this year too. :-)
    Frances

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