Hemerocallis 'Always Afternoon'

Hemerocallis 'Always Afternoon': Sophistication That Returns with the Sun
With its refined mauve-pink petals and deep plum eyezone, Hemerocallis 'Always Afternoon' brings an air of elegance to the midsummer garden. Each bloom is marked by a soft chartreuse throat, drawing the eye inward and adding contrast to the warm, sunset-toned palette. Compact, reliable, and a proven rebloomer, this daylily earns its name by flowering not just once, but often again—offering a second round of colour when many perennials begin to fade.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 55–60 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm, forming a tidy, rounded clump
• Flower Colour: Mauve-pink with a rich plum eye and chartreuse throat
• Flowering Period: Early to midsummer, with strong rebloom later in the season
• Foliage: Arching, grass-like green leaves; semi-evergreen
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to light shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; adaptable to a range of soil types including clay and loam

Uses and Benefits: Always Afternoon is perfect for edging sunny borders, adding soft contrast to hot-coloured plantings, or brightening mixed perennial beds with refined beauty. Its repeat blooming habit offers long-season value, while the compact size makes it ideal for smaller gardens or even containers. Like all daylilies, it's drought-tolerant once established, resistant to pests, and reliably returns year after year.

Companion Plants: Pair Always Afternoon with Salvia 'Caradonna', whose deep violet spires complement the daylily’s plum eyezone and create strong vertical contrast. Add Achillea 'New Vintage Violet' for a colour echo and a soft, lacy texture that balances the bold blooms. Complete the scene with Panicum 'Prairie Fire', whose upright habit and warm-tinted foliage pick up the pink and burgundy tones, adding movement and late-season interest.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment and prolonged dry periods. Remove spent blooms to encourage tidy reblooming. Cut foliage back in late fall or early spring. Divide every 3–5 years to maintain vigour and clump size.

History: Bred by renowned daylily hybridizer Maryott and introduced in the late 20th century, 'Always Afternoon' quickly became a garden favourite thanks to its strong rebloom, consistent performance, and unique coloration. It remains one of the most reliable cultivars for both home gardeners and landscape designers.

Final Thoughts: Subtle, sophisticated, and ever-dependable, Hemerocallis 'Always Afternoon' brings an understated richness to the summer garden. With blooms that return like a familiar melody, it provides colour, rhythm, and grace—morning through afternoon, and well into the season. A timeless daylily with a gentle glow.