Hemerocallis 'Hyperion'

Hemerocallis 'Hyperion': A Golden Beacon with Timeless Grace
Tall, luminous, and lightly fragrant, Hemerocallis 'Hyperion' is a classic heirloom daylily that has graced gardens for over a century. Its clear lemon-yellow blooms open high above arching green foliage on sturdy scapes, glowing in the midsummer sun with airy elegance. Blooming prolifically and perfumed with a light, sweet scent, Hyperion brings a refined vertical presence to borders and backdrops while embodying the enduring charm of old-fashioned perennials.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 90–110 cm
• Spread: 60–75 cm, forming an upright, vase-like clump
• Flower Colour: Clear lemon yellow with a soft green throat; lightly ruffled and trumpet-shaped
• Flowering Period: Midsummer (July–August)
• Foliage: Arching, green, grass-like leaves; deciduous
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to light shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; adaptable to clay, loam, or sandy conditions

Uses and Benefits: Hyperion is a superb choice for adding height and fragrance to perennial borders, cottage gardens, and naturalistic plantings. Its tall, willowy habit makes it ideal for the middle or back of the border, where it can sway gently in summer breezes and serve as a luminous accent among darker or bolder blooms. Drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and easy to grow, it’s a reliable performer that blends gracefully into both traditional and modern designs.

Companion Plants: Pair with Phlox paniculata 'Jeana', whose upright clusters of lavender-pink blooms echo Hyperion’s airy stature and invite pollinators to linger. Add Perovskia 'Denim 'n Lace' for a silvery, finely textured contrast that cools and balances the daylily’s sunny tones. Round out the planting with Echinacea 'Magnus Superior', whose rosy-pink petals and bronze cones provide a sturdy, colourful complement to Hyperion’s elegance.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun for best flowering and scent; light shade is tolerated. Water during dry spells in the first year; mature plants are drought-tolerant. Deadhead to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage additional blooms. Cut foliage back in fall or early spring, and divide every 4–5 years to maintain vigour and fullness.

History: Introduced in 1924 by Dr. Arlow Stout, the father of modern daylily breeding, Hemerocallis 'Hyperion' quickly became a gold standard in gardens across North America. Its tall form, clear colour, and fragrance made it revolutionary at the time, and it remains one of the most widely grown and respected cultivars nearly a century later.

Final Thoughts: Elegant, enduring, and effortlessly luminous, Hemerocallis 'Hyperion' is a shining example of classic perennial beauty. Whether woven into historic landscapes or modern borders, it offers a golden touch that uplifts the garden with grace, fragrance, and a hint of nostalgic charm. A true garden legend that never fades.