The ‘Apricot Sparkles’ daylily is a popular perennial known for its vibrant color and adaptability. This charming plant is admired for its beautiful blooms, consistent performance, and ease of cultivation, making it a desirable choice for many gardeners.
Apricot Sparkles Daylily Characteristics
The ‘Apricot Sparkles’ daylily (Hemerocallis ‘Apricot Sparkles’) features distinctive apricot-colored flowers with a delicate yellow-tinged throat. These trumpet-shaped blooms, measuring 3 to 4 inches in diameter, often have ruffled edges and a subtle “diamond-dusted” appearance that causes them to sparkle in sunlight. This herbaceous perennial forms a clump of arching, grass-like foliage, reaching 12 to 18 inches in height. Flower scapes rise above the foliage, extending the plant height to 18 to 24 inches. As a winter dormant, deciduous daylily, its foliage dies back in colder months, but it thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9.
Known for its extended blooming period, often called “everblooming,” ‘Apricot Sparkles’ produces a continuous succession of new blooms. While individual flowers last only a single day, new ones emerge from late May or early June through September, and sometimes into October. This consistent floral display ensures a long season of interest.
Planting Apricot Sparkles Daylily
Establishing ‘Apricot Sparkles’ daylily requires a site with full sun to partial shade, ideally at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While it tolerates some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, ample sunlight promotes abundant blooms. These daylilies perform best in well-drained soil rich in organic matter, though they adapt to various soil types, including clay and sand. A neutral soil pH is preferred for optimal growth.
When planting, position the crown (where leaves meet roots) approximately one inch below the soil surface. After placing the plant, backfill the hole, firming the soil around the roots to remove air pockets. Water the newly planted daylily thoroughly to settle the soil and encourage root establishment. Planting is best done in early fall or early spring, allowing roots to acclimate before extreme temperatures.
Caring for Apricot Sparkles Daylily
While established ‘Apricot Sparkles’ daylilies show some drought tolerance, they perform best with consistent moisture. Provide average watering to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. During prolonged dry periods, supplemental water helps maintain attractive foliage and consistent flowering. Apply a two to three-inch layer of mulch around the plant to conserve soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilization is beneficial; apply a light balanced or slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. A second light feeding after the initial flush of blooms can encourage reblooming. Regularly remove spent blooms, a practice known as deadheading, to promote new flower buds. Once all flowers on a scape have finished, cut the entire stalk back close to the ground. To maintain plant health and blooming performance, divide mature clumps every three to five years, typically in spring or fall.
Garden Uses for Apricot Sparkles Daylily
The ‘Apricot Sparkles’ daylily offers versatile applications in garden design due to its compact size and extended bloom time. It is an excellent choice for mass plantings, creating a striking visual impact with its warm apricot hues. Its tidy growth habit also makes it suitable for defining garden borders or integrating into mixed perennial beds, complementing other flowering plants.
This daylily can serve as an effective groundcover on slopes, helping with erosion control while providing continuous color. It also lends itself well to container gardening, allowing for flexible placement on patios or balconies. ‘Apricot Sparkles’ daylily attracts beneficial pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds, adding dynamic life to the garden. Its low maintenance requirements further enhance its appeal for various landscape settings.