Hemerocallis 'Mauna Loa'

Hemerocallis 'Mauna Loa': Lava-Hot Amber and Copper Blooms

Amber-gold to coppery orange petals traced with a fine red edge, like they were outlined with a hot wire. This daylily runs warm and doesn't apologize for it. TURN THE HEAT UP. IT LIKES IT.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Hemerocallis 'Mauna Loa'
• Common Name: Daylily
• Height: 55–60 cm (22–24 in) in flower
• Spread: 45–60 cm (18–24 in)
• Flowers: Amber-gold to coppery orange with a fine deep red wire edge and a light green throat, about 13 cm (5 in) across
• Bloom Time: Early to midsummer (July to August)
• Foliage: Arching, grass-like green leaves; dies back in winter

Where to Plant: Put it in the middle of a sunny border with other hot colours, or use it to warm up a bed of cool blues and purples. It also works massed along a fence or property line. It tolerates clay and black walnut, so it's a solid choice for tricky yards.

Companion Plants: Plant 'Mauna Loa' in a sunny or part-shade bed with a red peony, pink phlox and compact goldenrod. Paeonia 'Alexander Fleming' opens big pink double peonies at 75 to 90 cm in May and June. Phlox Super Ka-Pow™ Pink adds pink heads with a hot-pink eye at 45 to 50 cm from June to August. Solidago 'Little Miss Sunshine' brings compact golden goldenrod at 30 to 45 cm from July to October. Calamagrostis 'Overdam' stands behind at 90 to 120 cm with cream-edged blades.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun to part sun in average, well-drained soil. Orange and copper daylilies often hold their colour better with a little afternoon shade in the hottest spots. Water regularly the first season, then during long dry spells. Remove spent flowers to keep the plant tidy, and cut finished stems to the base. Clear the old leaves in late fall or early spring. Divide every four or five years in spring or early fall. Deer like to browse daylily buds, so protect plants if deer visit your yard. Daylilies are toxic to cats.

History: 'Mauna Loa' was registered with the American Hemerocallis Society (now the American Daylily Society) in 1976 as a tetraploid, early-midseason daylily. It's named for Mauna Loa, the massive active volcano on the island of Hawai'i, which suits the lava-coloured blooms.

Final Thoughts: Plant it in full sun beside something dark purple and let the colours fight it out. Easy care, drought tolerant once settled. HOT STUFF, LOW EFFORT.