The ‘Robbie Bush’ daylily (Hemerocallis ‘Robbie Bush’) is a popular, award-winning evergreen diploid daylily known for its highly fragrant, double-layered golden tangerine and yellow blossoms. It was hybridized by David Kirchhoff and registered in 1985. The plant honors the legacy of Robbie Bush, a beloved American Daylily Society ambassador from Headland, Alabama, who lived to be 102 years old. [1, 2, 3]
Key Botanical Traits
- Bloom Style: It features a distinct double-layered bloom. In its first season, flowers may open as singles until the root system establishes. [1]
- Color: The official registration classifies it as a golden tangerine self, radiating a rich yellow-orange shade. [1, 2]
- Flower & Scape Size: The blossoms measure roughly 5 inches (12.7 cm) across. They sit on naked stems (scapes) reaching 26 to 32 inches (66 to 80 cm) tall. [1, 2, 3]
- Foliage & Growth: This is an evergreen variety. It retains its green foliage year-round in mild winter climates. [1, 2, 3]
- Fragrance: Unlike many modern daylilies, it is categorized as very fragrant. [1]
Garden Care & Growth Habits
- Sun Exposure: It thrives best in full sun to semi-shade. At least six hours of direct sunlight ensures optimal blooming.
- Soil & Drainage: The plant tolerates poor soil but requires excellent drainage. Fleshy tuberous roots will rot if kept in standing water.
- Watering: Water heavily for the first 3 weeks after planting to secure the roots. Once established, deep watering once a week during dry stretches is sufficient.
- Planting Depth: Position the bulb or bare-root division with the crown placed just below ground level (about 3cm deep). Spacing should be 30 to 50 cm apart. [1, 2, 3]
