Hemerocallis 'Catherine Woodbury'

Hemerocallis 'Catherine Woodbury': A Lavender Whisper in the Summer Garden
Soft, ethereal, and timeless, Hemerocallis 'Catherine Woodbury' brings a touch of vintage charm to the midsummer border with its elegant, trumpet-shaped blooms in delicate orchid-lavender. Each flower is brushed with a soft, greenish-yellow throat, offering gentle contrast and luminous depth. Tall, graceful, and lightly fragrant, this classic cultivar blooms with poise and subtle beauty—ideal for gardeners who favour pastel palettes and graceful form.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 75–90 cm
• Spread: 60–75 cm, forming an arching, fountain-like clump
• Flower Colour: Orchid-lavender with a soft yellow-green throat
• Flowering Period: Midsummer (July)
• Foliage: Narrow, arching green leaves; deciduous
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; adaptable to a range of conditions including clay, loam, or sandy soils

Uses and Benefits: Catherine Woodbury is ideal for creating a serene, romantic atmosphere in the garden. Use it in perennial borders, cottage gardens, or mixed plantings where its tall scapes and airy form can float above surrounding plants. The sweetly scented blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds and work beautifully in cut flower arrangements. Its soft colouring pairs effortlessly with both bold companions and gentle pastels.

Companion Plants: Pair Catherine Woodbury with Veronica 'Magic Show White Wands', whose crisp flower spikes enhance the daylily’s soft tones while adding vertical contrast. Add Phlox 'Luminary Prismatic Pink' for overlapping bloom time and a pastel hue that harmonizes beautifully. Finish the look with Festuca 'Elijah Blue', whose cool-toned, tufted foliage grounds the composition with texture and complementary colour.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun for best bloom performance; light shade is tolerated, especially in hotter climates. Water regularly during dry periods in the first season. Remove spent blooms to maintain a neat appearance. Cut back foliage in fall or early spring. Divide every 4–5 years to rejuvenate the plant and encourage continued flowering.

History: Introduced in 1967 by daylily breeder Robert Wayside, Hemerocallis 'Catherine Woodbury' has become a beloved heirloom cultivar known for its refined colour and light fragrance. It remains a favourite among daylily enthusiasts and landscape designers alike for its classic beauty and reliable garden performance.

Final Thoughts: With its dreamy colouring and graceful habit, Hemerocallis 'Catherine Woodbury' lends a touch of poetry to summer gardens. Whether tucked into a cottage border or planted en masse for a drift of lavender blooms, it offers quiet elegance and enduring charm—like a gentle breeze on a warm July afternoon.