Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi'

Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi': A Dramatic Flourish of Gothic Elegance

Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi', named after the iconic actor famed for his portrayal of Count Dracula, is as captivating and dramatic as its namesake. This exceptional daylily variety is celebrated for its large, sumptuous blooms of deep purple, a color so rich and intense it adds a touch of gothic elegance to any garden. Blooming in mid-summer, 'Bela Lugosi' stands out in perennial borders, adds depth to mixed beds, and creates striking contrasts in container gardens. Thriving in full sun to partial shade, it brings a bold and dramatic flourish to the landscape with its commanding presence and vibrant color.

Product Characteristics:

• Height: 'Bela Lugosi' reaches a commanding height of 60-70 cm, making it a stunning focal point that adds vertical interest and rich color to garden designs.
• Spread: It forms a robust, clumping habit, spreading approximately 45-60 cm wide, ensuring a bold and vibrant display of foliage and blooms that beautifully accent garden spaces with its dynamic presence.
• Flower Colour: The blooms are a deep, intense purple with a contrasting lime-green throat, each petal unfurling to reveal generous, eye-catching flowers that bloom generously, creating a visually stunning effect that draws admiration and intrigue.
• Flowering Period: Blooming in mid-summer, Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi' ensures the garden remains a lively and inviting retreat, offering a burst of dramatic color and gothic charm during the height of the season.
• Foliage: Its foliage is bright green, grass-like, and forms a lush backdrop that highlights the beauty of the blooms and adds texture to the plant's overall appearance.
• Sunlight Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade, flourishing in conditions that encourage a lavish display of flowers and robust, healthy growth.
• Soil Requirements: Enjoys well-drained, fertile soil, showing remarkable adaptability to a range of soil conditions, making it a resilient and versatile choice for various garden settings.

Uses and Benefits: In addition to its stunning visual appeal, 'Bela Lugosi' is celebrated for its ability to attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies, enhancing garden biodiversity and contributing to the health of these vital creatures. Its dramatic blooms and striking color make it a versatile addition to any garden, offering endless possibilities for creating landscapes that resonate with beauty, mystery, and elegance.

Companion Plants: This dramatic daylily pairs beautifully with other perennials such as Silver Mound Artemisia (Artemisia schmidtiana 'Silver Mound'), Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia), and White Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'White Swan'), creating a captivating garden display that emphasizes color contrast and textural diversity. The deep purple blooms of 'Bela Lugosi' beautifully complement the varied hues and textures of these companions, creating a cohesive and visually harmonious garden tableau.

Care Instructions: Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi' is delightfully low maintenance, requiring minimal care to thrive. Regular watering, particularly during dry spells, helps establish a deep and extensive root system. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage further flowering and maintain a tidy appearance, while division every few years in early spring or fall can rejuvenate and increase flowering.

History: Since its introduction, 'Bela Lugosi' has quickly become a favorite among gardeners and landscape designers for its unique beauty, dramatic color, and robust growth, offering a bold and elegant display of gothic charm.

Final Thoughts: Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi', with its deep purple blooms and lush green foliage, offers a blend of dramatic beauty, easy care, and ecological benefits, making it a cherished addition to any garden. Whether used to enhance perennial borders, create striking container displays, or add depth to mixed beds, 'Bela Lugosi' invites all who visit the garden to enjoy its dramatic flourish of gothic elegance and the captivating, mysterious ambiance it creates.