Hemerocallis 'Mauna Loa'

Hemerocallis 'Mauna Loa': Lava-Hot Amber and Copper Blooms

Amber-gold to coppery orange petals traced with a fine red edge, like they were outlined with a hot wire. This daylily runs warm and doesn't apologize for it. TURN THE HEAT UP. IT LIKES IT.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Hemerocallis 'Mauna Loa'
• Common Name: Daylily
• Height: 55–60 cm (22–24 in) in flower
• Spread: 45–60 cm (18–24 in)
• Flowers: Amber-gold to coppery orange with a fine deep red wire edge and a light green throat, about 13 cm (5 in) across
• Bloom Time: Early to midsummer (July to August)
• Foliage: Arching, grass-like green leaves; dies back in winter

Where to Plant: Put it in the middle of a sunny border with other hot colours, or use it to warm up a bed of cool blues and purples. It also works massed along a fence or property line. It tolerates clay and black walnut, so it's a solid choice for tricky yards.

Companion Plants: Orange 'Mauna Loa' looks warm beside Phlomis tuberosa, whose lavender flowers are stacked on 90 to 150 cm stems. Calamintha nepeta 'Blue Cloud' adds blue flowers at the front from June to September. Chelone 'Black Ace' rises behind with white flowers from August to October. These are all fine in full sun or part sun.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun to part sun in average, well-drained soil. Orange and copper daylilies often hold their colour better with a little afternoon shade in the hottest spots. Water regularly the first season, then during long dry spells. Remove spent flowers to keep the plant tidy, and cut finished stems to the base. Clear the old leaves in late fall or early spring. Divide every four or five years in spring or early fall. Deer like to browse daylily buds, so protect plants if deer visit your yard. Daylilies are toxic to cats.

History: 'Mauna Loa' was registered with the American Hemerocallis Society (now the American Daylily Society) in 1976 as a tetraploid, early-midseason daylily. It's named for Mauna Loa, the massive active volcano on the island of Hawai'i, which suits the lava-coloured blooms.

Final Thoughts: Plant it in full sun beside something dark purple and let the colours fight it out. Easy care, drought tolerant once settled. HOT STUFF, LOW EFFORT.