Daylily Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi'

Water

Daylilies, including the 'Bela Lugosi' cultivar, need consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time, which correlates to approximately 0.625 to 0.94 gallons for an average-sized plant. The soil should be allowed to dry between watering to discourage rot but should not become completely dry. Pay special attention to watering during dry spells. More frequent watering may be necessary if your daylily is planted in sandy soil or during particularly hot, dry periods.

Light

Daylilies, such as 'Bela Lugosi', thrive in full sunlight, which means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. They can tolerate partial shade, but blooming may not be as prolific. The ideal spot for a 'Bela Lugosi' daylily is an area with morning sunlight and some afternoon protection in hotter climates. If you live in an area with very strong and hot sunlight, providing afternoon shade will help prevent the leaves from scorching.

Temperature

Daylilies, including 'Bela Lugosi', are very adaptable regarding temperature and can survive in USDA zones 3 through 9, accommodating a wide range from roughly -40°F to 90°F. However, the ideal growing temperatures for daylilies are between 50°F and 80°F, which provide the optimal environment for growth and flowering. These plants are robust and can withstand seasonal temperature fluctuations well.

Pruning

For the 'Bela Lugosi' daylily, pruning is important to remove dead foliage and spent flower stalks, which encourages reblooming and maintains plant health. This is typically done in late fall or early spring. Deadheading, or removing old blooms, can be done throughout the blooming season to keep the plant tidy and promote further flowers. Cutting back the foliage in late fall after it has died back helps prevent disease and makes the garden look neater during the winter.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Daylilies (Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi') is well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic to neutral, with an ideal pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of two parts loam, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or sand can create the ideal growing conditions.

Repotting

Daylilies typically do not need to be repotted as they are generally grown outdoors. However, if grown in containers, repotting every three to four years or when they outgrow their current space is sufficient.

Humidity & Misting

Daylilies are not particularly humidity sensitive and can thrive in the average outdoor humidity levels found in their suitable growing zones. They do well in both low and high humidity environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright indirect light, consistent moisture, and good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to part shade, in well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of the Daylily 'Bela Lugosi' begins with seed germination, typically occurring in moist, well-drained soil and warm temperatures. Once the seedling emerges, it develops into a young plant with strap-like foliage and establishes a robust root system. As it matures, the Daylily 'Bela Lugosi' produces a clump of green leaves and a scape, or flower stalk, which gives rise to multiple purple flower buds in the early to mid-summer. These buds bloom into large, vibrant purple flowers with a contrasting golden throat, each blossom lasting just one day. After the flowering period, the plant sets seed if pollination has occurred, and as the growing season ends, it enters a dormancy phase, with the foliage dying back in colder climates. Upon the return of favorable conditions, the Daylily 'Bela Lugosi' resumes growth from the rhizome, repeating the cycle annually.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late summer to early fall

• The Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi', commonly known as the 'Bela Lugosi' Daylily, is typically propagated through division. This is best done after the plant has finished flowering, usually in late summer to early fall. The process involves digging up the plant and carefully separating the clumps into smaller sections, each with a few leaves and a portion of the root system. These sections can then be replanted immediately in well-prepared soil, spaced about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for growth and spread. Water the new plants well to help establish their roots in their new location.