The Hemerocallis ‘Betty Woods’ is a highly celebrated, award-winning double daylily perennial famous for its fully layered, bright yellow blooms. Hybridized by David Kirchhoff in 1980, it is widely considered a definitive benchmark for double-flowered daylilies and won the prestigious Stout Silver Medal (the highest honor in the daylily world) in 1991. [1, 2, 3]
Core Specifications
- Flower Style: Consistently full, multi-layered double flowers with ruffled segments.
- Color: Brilliant Chinese yellow self featuring a contrasting soft green throat/heart.
- Bloom Size: Large blossoms measuring roughly 5.5 inches (14 cm) across.
- Plant Height: Reaches around 24 to 26 inches (60 to 66 cm) tall.
- Foliage Type: Evergreen, forming lush mounds of arching, strap-like leaves.
- Genetics: Diploid variety.
- Fragrance: Notably sweet, distinct fragrance. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Growth & Bloom Performance
- Bloom Schedule: It starts flowering early in the daylily season and reliably reblooms later in the summer.
- Note on Young Plants: Like many double varieties, ‘Betty Woods’ may produce single or semi-double layers during its first season. The signature frothy, fully double form appears reliably once the plant is well-established. [1, 2, 3]
Care and Cultivation
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun to perform its best, though it tolerates light shade. Too much shade will result in fewer flowers.
- Soil: Highly adaptable and tough; thrives in fertile, moist, well-draining soil but easily tolerates heavy clay or poorer conditions.
- Watering: Requires moderate watering. Providing extra moisture in spring helps ensure a prolific bud count.
- Maintenance: Cut back spent flower scapes after blooming finishes and pull away dead foliage to keep the clump looking tidy. Divisons should be handled in early spring or autumn every 3 to 5 years to manage growth.
- Safety Warning: Like all daylilies, this plant is highly toxic to cats. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
