Hémérocalle 'Night Beacon' 'Night Beacon'

‘Night Beacon’ Daylily (Hemerocallis). The ‘Night Beacon’ Daylily (Hemerocallis) forms a durable clump of arching green leaves, topped in summer with stalks bearing almost black-purple flowers. Each approximately 10 cm (4 in) corolla reveals a large chartreuse eye extended by a green throat, a luminous contrast that explains the cultivar's name. The stalks reach about 69 cm (27 in), while the clump can widen to about 45 cm (18 in) over time. Registered in 1988, this diploid selection blooms early to mid-season and can rebloom. Each flower generally lasts one day, but several buds succeed each other to prolong the effect in sunny beds.

Plant No. 1 in spring in fertile, humus-rich, fresh, and well-drained soil, placing the crown at ground level or only 2 to 3 cm (0.79 to 1 in) below the surface. Choose full sun or light partial shade; a little shade during the hottest hours helps very dark flowers retain their intensity. Space plants 45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in) apart to allow clumps to widen and maintain good air circulation. Water deeply after planting, then keep the soil uniformly moist during rooting and bud formation, without ever saturating the crown.

Remove faded flowers to free new buds, then cut off the stalks after the last bloom. Let the foliage nourish the roots until it yellows in autumn before cutting it back. A thin layer of compost in spring is usually sufficient; avoid excess nitrogen. Divide an overcrowded clump every four to six years to maintain its vigor. ‘Night Beacon’ contrasts beautifully with golden yarrows, violet-blue catmints, light grasses, and pale coneflowers. Daylilies are very toxic to cats: keep flowers, leaves, pollen, and roots out of their reach.