Hemerocallis 'Red Rum'

Hemerocallis 'Red Rum': Rusty Red Blooms That Shrug Off Clay

'Red Rum' sounds like a cocktail and, honestly, it hits like one. Rusty red flowers with a yellow throat on a short clump, a splash of colour that goes straight to your head. SHORT POUR. STRONG FINISH.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Hemerocallis 'Red Rum'
• Common Name: Daylily
• Height: 35–40 cm (14–16 in) in flower
• Spread: 45–60 cm (18–24 in)
• Flowers: Rusty red with a yellow throat, about 10 cm (4 in) across
• Bloom Time: Midsummer (July to August)
• Foliage: Arching, strap-shaped green leaves; semi-evergreen type

Where to Plant: At this height it belongs at the front of the border or along a path. It's useful for edging, mass planting on a bank, or filling a sunny strip that's a pain to mow. It handles clay soil and tolerates black walnut.

Companion Plants: Plant 'Red Rum' in a sunny or part-shade bed with white peonies, rosy-purple spikes and fine blue star. Paeonia 'Krinkled White' opens single white peonies at 75 cm in May and June. Veronica Magic Show® 'Purple Illusion' adds rosy-purple spikes at 41 to 46 cm in June and July. Amsonia hubrichtii brings pale blue stars at 75 to 90 cm in May and June, with gold fall leaves. Miscanthus 'Little Zebra' stands behind at 90 to 120 cm with gold-banded blades.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun to part sun in average, well-drained soil. Flowering is lighter in shadier spots. Water through the first season, and during dry weather in early summer to help it set buds. Remove spent flowers and cut stems to the base after blooming. Because it's a semi-evergreen type, the leaves can look rough after winter. Trim away damaged foliage in early spring. Divide every four or five years in spring or early fall. Daylilies are toxic to cats.

History: 'Red Rum' was registered with the American Hemerocallis Society (now the American Daylily Society) in 1974 as a diploid, semi-evergreen, midseason daylily. The genus name Hemerocallis comes from Greek words for "day" and "beauty", since each flower lasts a single day.

Final Thoughts: Plant it at the front of a sunny bed and skip the hose once it's settled. No ice, no garnish. JUST SERVE IT.