The “Midnight Rider” daylily—correctly known as Midnight Raider (Hemerocallis)—is a striking, highly fragrant tetraploid perennial. It is prized for its large, 6.5-inch ruffled blossoms that feature a deep, velvety burgundy-purple color, accented by a bright citron-yellow halo and a fresh green throat. [1, 2, 3]
Key Characteristics
- Height & Spread: Grows to about 26–30 inches tall with a spread of 16–20 inches.
- Bloom Time: Blooms midseason (typically June–July), with a tendency to rebloom later in the season.
- Foliage: Typically evergreen to semi-evergreen depending on the climate.
- Hardiness Zones: Thrives in USDA Zones 3–9. [1, 2, 3]
Growing & Care Tips
- Light: Best planted in full sun to partial shade.
- Water & Soil: Adapts to most soil types and pH levels, but prefers average to evenly moist, well-drained soil.
- Maintenance: Very low-maintenance; simply clean up dead foliage in early spring before active growth resumes.
- Landscape Use: Excellent for mass plantings, borders, groundcover, and attracting pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.
