Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Bela Lugosi Daylily: Deep Purple That Echoes Your Lavender
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Bela Lugosi daylily is widely considered one of the best purple daylilies, and for good reason. Its 6-inch flowers are a saturated, true royal purple with a velvety sheen, narrowing to a bright lime green throat. For a flower that dark, it holds up remarkably well in sun.
Despite the name, it does not bite, and it only comes out in daylight.
Bela Lugosi at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi' |
| Flowers | About 6 inches, deep true purple with a lime green throat |
| Foliage | Medium green, arching, semi-evergreen type |
| Size | Scapes to about 33 inches; clump 18 to 24 inches wide |
| Bloom | Starts early July, peaks mid-July, lasts several weeks |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 3 to 9 |
| Recognition | American Hemerocallis Society Award of Merit |
| Deer | Susceptible |
A tonal pairing with lavender
Most companions contrast with lavender. Bela Lugosi does the opposite and echoes it. Its deep purple flowers repeat lavender's color in a larger, bolder shape, so a planting of the two looks deliberate and rich rather than busy. The lime throat adds a small spark that keeps it from going too dark.
At nearly 3 feet tall in bloom, it belongs behind lavender rather than beside it. Its early to mid-July bloom overlaps the lavender peak, and the arching leaves give the back of the bed a soft green fountain the rest of the season. Mixing in a white or silver plant nearby helps both purples stand out.
Keeping the color at its best
Dark daylilies can fade or scorch under strong afternoon sun. In a hot, exposed site, a spot that gets light shade late in the day keeps the petals velvety. In most West Michigan gardens, full morning and midday sun with a little late-day shade from a fence or tree is ideal, and the flowers still get the six hours they need.
Planting and care
- Soil: average and well drained. Once established it handles heat, clay and dry spells.
- First winter: a light mulch and good drainage help prevent heaving and crown rot.
- During bloom: each flower lasts a day. Snap off spent ones to keep the clump looking fresh.
- After bloom: cut finished scapes to the base.
- Dividing: every few years when the clump gets crowded.
Like most daylilies, it copes with tough spots, including slopes, poor dry soil and areas near salted pavement. All parts of daylilies are toxic to cats, so keep that in mind if yours roam the garden.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bela Lugosi really purple, or more red?
It is a true, saturated purple, which is why it is so widely grown. Light conditions can shift the tone slightly from day to day.
Does it rebloom?
Expect one main flush lasting several weeks, with some rebloom possible on established clumps.
Can I plant it in front of lavender?
It is better behind. At about 33 inches tall it would hide most lavenders if planted in front.
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