Daylily Nut -- 2004/05 Introductions
Yeah, I know, there's a lot of yellow here! Imagine my horror! My main hybridizing goal is to "get the yellow out" of daylilies -- more specifically, to get rid of that all-pervasive melon and yellow impression that a mass planting of daylilies invariably presents when viewed from afar. One important reason for this impression is that, when viewed from the side or back, all daylilies reveal their underlying base color; and for the genus as a whole, that color is determined by the melon/yellow gene (the dominant version produces yellow, the recessive produces melon in the base/internal color of the flower tissue).
Fortunately there are modifier genes that control the intensity of the base color. So the quest to "get the yellow out" amounts to a quest to enhance that complex of modifier genes. When the base color genes are strengthened, the underlying tissue color becomes gold or orange. When weakened/softened, the base color can approach white. I'm focused on the latter, but as a diversion I'm sometimes toy with the strong oranges. Here tetraploids have a clear advantage. But in order to get rebloom into this color range, I've chosen to stick with diploids. There is undeniable "garden power" in the yellow/gold/red/black end of the spectrum of daylily flower colors.
Of course, every daylily garden should definitely have a few of the most meritorious bright yellows. Each individual has their own standards and tastes in daylilies, and perhaps one of the flowers shown below will appeal to you.
So, despite my protestations, it just happens that there have been a few distinctive yellow spin-offs to my hybridizing program. And it just happens that these have reached the point where they ought to be registered before most of the other Daylily Nut products that are coming along.
Personally, if I were permitted to grow only one yellow daylily here in the range between USDA hardiness zones 5 and 7, it would be Hemerocallis 'Share Me'. It combines a brightness of color (including a truly killer green throat), luscious fragrance, large flower size, and a big, relaxed, wide open form. Best of all, because H. 'Share Me' has a solidly evergreen foliage habit, it doesn't "know" when to quit and prepare for winter. It just keeps on blooming! There is virtually continuous bloom from spring to frost. When all other daylilies are resting, H. 'Share Me' just keeps on performing. Yet it has proven to be rock-solid hardy into zone 4.
(Click on the pictures for full descriptions and more pictures)
H. 'Fringe Binge' and H. 'Quad Quiddity':
H. 'Quint Quandary' and H. 'Share Me':
Shipping will be by USPS Priority Mail. Shipping cost is $8.00 for the first three plants plus $1 for each additional plant.
The DaylilyNut Farm has never had rust. It is state inspected, and is located about 25 miles west of Baltimore, MD. The garden was relocated too a cold pocket valley on the boundary between USDA climate zones 5 and 6 (coldest winter night is about -10F).
Pete Wetzel
P.O. Box 21
Eldersburg, MD 21784
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