Daylilies are celebrated garden plants, recognized for their wide array of forms and vibrant patterns. Among the many captivating variations, the “applique” pattern stands out as a particularly distinctive and sought-after characteristic. This unique feature adds a layer of visual interest, transforming the flower into a living work of art that draws the eye and sparks curiosity.
Understanding Applique Daylilies
The term “applique” in daylilies refers to a specific opaque color pattern that originates in the flower’s throat and extends outward onto the midrib and tepal surfaces. This pattern features strong contrast and sharp, distinct edges, ensuring no color bleeding into the surrounding petal tissue. Its appearance is often described as if a design has been “applied” or “painted” onto the petal surface, giving it a unique visual quality.
Hybridizer Bill Munson first used this term, exemplified by varieties like ‘Chinese Temple Flower’ (Munson-I. 1980). The applique pattern often presents as a raised or textured design, contributing to its depth and visual impact. Unlike simple extended throats, an applique displays a clear color separation rather than a soft blending of colors. The pattern itself can vary in appearance, sometimes looking metallic or crystalline.
The Unique Features of Applique Daylilies
Applique patterns exhibit diverse visual aspects. They can manifest in various forms, including intricate veining, raised ridges, or a thick, painted-on appearance, giving the flower a three-dimensional quality.
Common color contrasts include gold or yellow appliques on petals of red, burgundy, or lavender. The size and prominence of the applique can also vary within the flower’s throat or eyezone. Examples include ‘Hemerocallis Applique’ with a bold golden/green tinted splash and ‘Aerial Applique’ displaying a yellow applique above a green throat.
Cultivating Applique Daylilies
Applique daylilies thrive under the same cultivation practices as other daylily varieties. They perform best in full sun, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, which promotes optimal bloom and pattern development. While partial shade is tolerated in hotter climates, full sun encourages the most vibrant displays.
Daylilies adapt to various soil types, from sandy to heavy clay, but prefer well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Amending the soil with compost or organic matter improves drainage and nutrient content. Regular watering is beneficial, especially during dry spells and when plants are developing new foliage and flower buds. Deadheading spent blooms encourages continuous flowering and maintains a tidy appearance.
Distinguishing Applique from Similar Patterns
Differentiating applique patterns from other daylily patterns, such as stenciled, painted, or watermark patterns, involves recognizing their specific characteristics. Applique patterns are defined by their opaque color and sharp, distinct edges that do not bleed into the surrounding petal tissue. Their appearance is often described as if the color has been physically “applied” or “raised” onto the petal surface, giving it a textured or three-dimensional quality.
In contrast, stenciled or painted patterns typically appear flatter and more uniform. A watermark is a lighter colored zone directly above the flower’s throat, but it lacks the applied, opaque quality of an applique. When identifying an applique daylily, gardeners should look for this unique embossed or raised appearance.