The Cranberry Baby Daylily is a favored perennial, celebrated for its vibrant display and adaptable nature. It brings a burst of color to gardens, appealing to those seeking both beauty and ease of cultivation and reliable performance.
Understanding Cranberry Baby Daylily
The Cranberry Baby Daylily (Hemerocallis ‘Cranberry Baby’) features striking cranberry-red blossoms with ruffled petals, often displaying a deeper eyezone and a green-gold throat. These blooms typically measure 2.5 to 3 inches (6-7 cm) in diameter.
This dwarf daylily reaches a height of 12 to 16 inches (30-40 cm) with a similar spread, forming dense clumps of deep green, grass-like foliage. It has a reblooming habit, producing flowers from early to mid-summer and often continuing through fall. It thrives in USDA zones 2 through 10.
Planting and Growing Cranberry Baby Daylily
For successful growth, select an appropriate site. This plant performs best in full sun but tolerates partial shade, particularly in hotter climates. While adaptable to many soil types, it prefers well-draining soil. Incorporating organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure improves soil structure and moisture retention.
When planting, prepare the soil to a depth of 12-15 inches. Dig a hole larger than the root mass, creating a small mound in the center. Position the plant with its roots spread over the mound, ensuring the crown (where roots meet foliage) is no more than one inch below the soil surface. Space individual plants 18 to 24 inches apart. After planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
After planting, Cranberry Baby Daylilies benefit from consistent care. While established plants are somewhat drought tolerant, moderate watering is advisable during dry periods. A thorough weekly soaking to a depth of 6 to 10 inches can improve bloom quality if natural rainfall is scarce.
Fertilization in spring with a slow-release, all-purpose fertilizer promotes robust growth and flowering. Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowers and extends the blooming season. Division of established clumps every few years, ideally in fall or early spring, helps maintain plant health. Monitoring for common pests and diseases ensures the plant remains healthy.
Creative Garden Applications
Cranberry Baby Daylily’s compact size and vibrant color make it versatile for various garden designs. Its tidy, clumping habit is suitable for defining garden borders or creating an attractive edge along pathways. Mass plantings of this daylily can create a striking visual impact with their continuous bloom.
This plant also thrives in containers, making it an excellent choice for patios or smaller spaces. For companion planting, consider pairing Cranberry Baby Daylily with plants that offer contrasting textures or colors, such as fine-textured grasses or silver-foliaged plants. It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, adding to its appeal in a diverse garden setting.