Hemerocallis 'Frans Hals'

Hemerocallis 'Frans Hals': A Painterly Burst of Summer Colour
Bold and unmistakable, Hemerocallis 'Frans Hals' adds a vivid splash of artistic flair to the garden with its striking bi-colour blooms. Each flower unfurls in alternating bands of golden yellow and rich brick-red—like brushstrokes on a canvas—recalling the dramatic contrasts of its Dutch Golden Age namesake. Blooming in midsummer on tall, sturdy scapes, this cultivar brings lively movement and cheerful character to sunny borders and mixed perennial plantings.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 70–85 cm
• Spread: 50–60 cm, forming a well-structured, upright clump
• Flower Colour: Alternating petals of bright golden yellow and red-orange; narrow, recurved form
• Flowering Period: Midsummer (July–August), with some sporadic rebloom
• Foliage: Green, grass-like leaves; deciduous
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to light shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; adaptable to most soil types, including clay and sandy loam

Uses and Benefits: Frans Hals is ideal for energizing borders, mass plantings, and pollinator gardens with its high-impact, warm-toned flowers. Its vivid colouring makes it an effective contrast plant among pastels or deep purples, while its robust growth and easy care make it a go-to for both beginners and seasoned gardeners. Heat- and drought-tolerant once established, it also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds through the peak of summer.

Companion Plants: Pair with Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit', whose mix of warm-toned blooms complements Frans Hals’s fiery colour scheme. Add Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm' to reinforce the golden tones and carry the colour palette deeper into the season. Finish with Panicum 'Blood Brothers', whose upright form and red-tipped blades echo the daylily’s brick-red hues while adding late-season texture.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun for the best flower production and colour saturation. Water during prolonged dry spells, especially in the first year. Remove spent blooms to keep the plant tidy, though this is not necessary for continued flowering. Cut back foliage in fall or early spring. Divide every 4–5 years to rejuvenate growth and maintain vigour.

History: Introduced in 1955 by Dutch breeder C. Hoog, Hemerocallis 'Frans Hals' quickly became a garden favourite for its unusual bi-colour pattern and eye-catching presence. Its name pays tribute to the Dutch master painter known for his bold contrasts and lively brushwork—an apt parallel for this striking perennial.

Final Thoughts: With its distinctive two-tone petals and reliable performance, Hemerocallis 'Frans Hals' is both a conversation piece and a hardworking garden staple. Whether spotlighted in a sunny border or used to inject colour into a naturalistic planting, it brings the joy and energy of a midsummer masterpiece. A true classic that still turns heads.