Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi'

Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi': Vampire Purple With a Lime Throat

Deep purple flowers with a lime-green throat, standing tall like they own a cape and aren't afraid to use it. This daylily brings full gothic drama to broad daylight. SPOOKY SEASON STARTS IN SUMMER.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi'
• Common Name: Daylily
• Height: 75–85 cm (30–33 in) in flower
• Spread: 45–60 cm (18–24 in)
• Flowers: Deep purple, about 15 cm (6 in) across, with a lime-green to yellow throat. Each bloom lasts a day.
• Bloom Time: Midsummer (July to August)
• Foliage: Arching, strap-like green leaves in an upright clump; semi-evergreen type

Where to Plant: It is tall enough for the middle of the border and makes a strong group planting along a fence or foundation, and it grows happily in clay. Give the dark flowers a bright backdrop so they read as rich instead of murky, and plant it where deer and rabbits don't roam freely.

Companion Plants: Use dark purple 'Bela Lugosi' in a sunny or part-shade bed with white anemones, scarlet peonies and pink spikes. Anemone sylvestris opens white snowdrop anemones at 30 to 45 cm in May and June. Veronica 'Pink Candles' adds deep pink spikes at 20 to 25 cm from June to August. Paeonia 'Flame' brings single scarlet peonies at 55 to 60 cm in May and June. Miscanthus 'Morning Light' stands behind at 120 to 150 cm with fine, silver-edged blades.

Plant Care: Full sun brings the most flowers. Part sun works too, with somewhat fewer of them. Plant the crown about 2.5 cm (1 in) deep in average, well-drained soil and water regularly through the first season. Once established, it tolerates dry spells, though a good soak during a long drought helps the buds open well. Snap off spent flower stalks to keep it tidy. Clear the foliage in late fall or early spring. Divide the clump every few years in spring or late summer, when the centre gets crowded.

History: 'Bela Lugosi' is a tetraploid daylily introduced in 1995 by the hybridizer C. Hanson. It is named for Bela Lugosi, the Hungarian-born actor who played Count Dracula on stage and in the 1931 film.

Final Thoughts: Plant it next to something bright yellow and let the contrast give everybody chills. COUNT ON IT.