Hemerocallis 'Inkheart'

Hemerocallis 'Inkheart': A Dramatic Bloom with an Artistic Touch
Vivid and expressive, Hemerocallis 'Inkheart' makes a bold statement in the summer garden with its striking contrast of warm and cool tones. Each broad, creamy peach bloom is splashed with a saturated violet-blue eyezone that bleeds into a bright yellow-green throat—like ink dropped into water. With its dramatic colouring, strong form, and dependable reblooming habit, this modern cultivar brings an artistic flourish to borders and mixed perennial plantings.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–70 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm, forming a well-rounded, arching clump
• Flower Colour: Creamy peach with a violet-blue eyezone and chartreuse throat; lightly ruffled petals
• Flowering Period: Early to midsummer, with reliable rebloom
• Foliage: Green, grass-like leaves; semi-evergreen
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to light shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerant of various soil types, including clay and loam

Uses and Benefits: Inkheart is a perfect choice for gardeners looking to add intrigue and vibrant contrast to their summer displays. Its eye-catching blooms pair well with both soft pastels and deep jewel tones, making it versatile for a range of garden styles—from contemporary colour schemes to painterly cottage borders. Like all daylilies, it’s low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly, and drought-tolerant once established.

Companion Plants: Pair Inkheart with Salvia 'Violet Riot', whose deep purple spires echo the eyezone and intensify the colour contrast. Add Echinacea 'White Swan' for structural contrast and a touch of elegance that softens the bold palette. Complete the design with Sedum 'Autumn Fire', whose fleshy foliage and late-season blooms add texture and extend interest into fall.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun for the richest colour and best bloom performance. Water during prolonged dry spells and in the first season to establish roots. Deadheading encourages tidy appearance and further blooming. Cut back foliage in fall or early spring. Divide clumps every 3–5 years to maintain vigour.

History: A relatively recent introduction, Hemerocallis 'Inkheart' was bred for its intense bicolour patterning, high bud count, and compact but impactful growth habit. It belongs to a new generation of daylilies focused on bold visual appeal and long-season performance.

Final Thoughts: With its inky eyezone and warm peach petals, Hemerocallis 'Inkheart' brings emotion and artistry to the summer garden. It’s a bloom that speaks in contrasts—light and dark, soft and vivid—offering a focal point that’s as dynamic as it is dependable. A painter’s stroke in perennial form.