Daylily Hemerocallis 'Ed Murray'
ABOUT
Hemerocallis 'Ed Murray', commonly known as the Daylily 'Ed Murray', is a striking perennial plant known for its deep, velvety burgundy flowers. Each blossom consists of broad petal segments that form a characteristic trumpet shape, often featuring a slightly ruffled edge which enhances their sumptuous appearance. The throats of the flowers typically contrast with a lighter hue, adding depth to the floral display. These blooms are supported by sturdy, arching stalks that emerge from a base of long, strap-like foliage. The leaves are a lush green color and have a slightly arching habit that forms a dense clump, providing a verdant backdrop for the impressive blooms that appear atop the foliage. The exotic and intense coloration of its flowers makes the Daylily 'Ed Murray' a favorite among gardeners looking to add a dramatic flair to their gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Hemerocallidaceae
Synonyms
Daylily
Common names
Hemerocallis 'Ed Murray'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as the daylily is not generally considered toxic to humans. In fact, some parts of daylilies are edible and are sometimes used in culinary dishes. However, it is important to note that not all species and varieties of daylilies have been tested for edibility; thus, there could be uncommon reactions or allergies to specific hybrids. Additionally, people with certain health conditions or those prone to allergies should exercise caution or avoid consumption. If ingested and found to be toxic, symptoms might include gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, although widespread toxicity in humans is not common from daylilies.
To pets
The daylily is known to be toxic to cats and may cause severe symptoms if ingested. Ingestion can lead to acute kidney failure which is a potentially life-threatening condition. Symptoms of poisoning in pets, especially cats, may include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and increased urination followed by lack of urination. If a pet, particularly a cat, has ingested daylilies, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary care as prompt treatment is essential for their best chance of recovery.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: The plant is known for being hardy and easy to care for, making it a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it requires minimal watering and can survive in dry conditions.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers of the daylily attract butterflies and bees, aiding in the pollination of your garden.
- Showy Flowers: Daylilies produce colorful, showy blooms that enhance the visual appeal of any garden space.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it returns year after year without the need to replant.
- Variety of Uses: Suitable for flower beds, borders, and as ground cover, providing versatility in landscaping designs.
- Low Maintenance: Requires little care beyond basic watering and occasional fertilization.
- Tolerance to Various Soil Types: Thrives in a range of soil conditions, from sandy to clay.
- Propagates Easily: Can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
- Pest Resistance: Generally resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Extended Bloom Time: Many daylilies bloom over a long period, offering color for several weeks in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Subject: The Hemerocallis 'Ed Murray', or Daylily, with its deep burgundy-black flowers, is a stunning subject for photographers, especially those focusing on plant and garden photography.
- Culinary Decoration: The vibrant flowers can be used as an elegant garnish or decoration on plates and cakes for special occasions.
- Dye Source: The petals of the Daylily can be boiled to produce a natural dye for fabrics or art projects, creating a range of purple to black hues.
- Educational Tool: The plant's growth cycle can be studied in educational settings, such as schools or botanical workshops, to understand perennial plant development.
- Companion Planting: The Daylily can be used in companion planting to enhance the growth of certain vegetables by attracting the right insects or providing shade.
- Floral Arrangements: The flowers are long-lasting when cut, making the Daylily a popular choice for floral displays and arrangements.
- Garden Design: The dark flowers of the Hemerocallis 'Ed Murray' are used in garden design to create dramatic contrast and focal points in perennial borders.
- Erosion Control: The Daylily's dense root system is effective in preventing soil erosion on slopes and banks.
- Biological Pest Control: They can attract beneficial insects, such as pollinators, while deterring certain pests, contributing to the garden’s ecological balance.
- Stormwater Management: The Daylily is often included in rain garden designs due to its ability to tolerate and thrive in wet conditions, thus helping in stormwater management.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daylily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daylily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: The Hemerocallis 'Ed Murray', commonly known as daylily, often symbolizes beauty due to its attractive and vibrant blooms.
- Overcoming Challenges: Daylilies are hardy plants that can thrive in a variety of conditions, hence they are often associated with resilience and the ability to overcome life's obstacles.
- Motherhood: In Chinese culture, daylilies are a symbol of motherhood and parenting because of their nurturing nature and the abundance of their flowers.
- Fleeting Nature of Life: Since each individual flower of the daylily typically lasts only one day, they remind us of the impermanence of life and the importance of living in the present.
- Renewal and Hope: Daylilies can represent renewal and hope as they bloom afresh each day, signifying new opportunities and the chance to start over.
WaterDaylilies, including the 'Ed Murray' variety, should be watered deeply at the base of the plant to encourage root growth, about once a week depending on weather conditions. They require approximately one inch of water weekly, which translates to about 0.6 gallons per square yard of soil. During hot or dry spells, increase watering frequency to twice a week. Overhead watering should be avoided to reduce the risk of leaf diseases. It's important to ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging.
LightThe 'Ed Murray' daylily thrives in full sunlight, which means it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot is in a garden area that offers unfiltered sun exposure for most of the day. These plants can tolerate light shade, but flowering is often reduced in less optimal lighting conditions.
TemperatureDaylilies, including 'Ed Murray', are hardy plants that can survive in a wide range of temperatures, from about -30°F to 90°F. The ideal growing temperature range for daylilies is between 60°F and 75°F. They are cold-hardy and can endure winter chill down to -30°F without significant damage if properly mulched.
PruningPrune 'Ed Murray' daylilies to remove spent flower stalks throughout the blooming season to promote additional blooms and to maintain plant appearance. After the plant has finished blooming for the season, typically in late summer, cut back the foliage to about a few inches above the ground. Pruning is also the time to remove any dead or diseased leaves to keep the plant healthy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Daylily 'Ed Murray', a well-draining soil mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0 works best. A blend of loamy garden soil, compost, and a bit of sand to improve drainage will create an ideal environment for this perennial to thrive.
RepottingDaylilies, including Hemerocallis 'Ed Murray', generally do not need to be repotted as they are not typically grown in containers. Instead, they are divided every 3 to 5 years to rejuvenate and spread the plants out.
Humidity & MistingDaylilies, including 'Ed Murray', are quite adaptable and do not require specific humidity conditions. They thrive outdoors in the humidity levels present in their growing zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Daylily 'Ed Murray' in a bright spot with soil that drains well.
Outdoor
Plant Daylily 'Ed Murray' in full sun to part shade in fertile, moist soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe daylily 'Ed Murray' begins its life as a seed, germinating in moist, well-drained soil under full sun to partial shade conditions. After sprouting, the seedling grows into a clump of narrow, green leaves and develops a root system. In the following growing seasons, the plant will continue to expand through vegetative growth, forming more foliage and increasing the size and number of fans (divisions of the clump). Once mature, typically within 2-4 years, 'Ed Murray' produces tall scapes with multiple buds that bloom into distinctive, dark red to maroon trumpet-shaped flowers, each lasting just one day. After the blooming period, which lasts about a month during the summer, the plant sets seed pods if pollination has occurred. As the seasons change and temperatures drop, 'Ed Murray' enters a period of dormancy in the winter, with foliage dying back, and then regrowing the following spring to repeat its annual cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring to Summer
The Hemerocallis 'Ed Murray', commonly known as the Daylily 'Ed Murray', is most popularly propagated using division. This method typically takes place in late summer to early fall, after the flowering period has ended. To propagate by division, dig up the clump of daylilies carefully, and using a sharp spade or knife, divide the clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each division has at least a few healthy fans of leaves and a good portion of the root system. Then, replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing before, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish them. This method allows for the quick establishment of new plants and is ideal for expanding your garden or sharing with fellow gardeners.
