One of the cheekiest, cheeriest perennials around, this little daylily (Hemerocallis) forms dense clumps of bright foliage from spring to autumn. In summer there are clusters of clear golden-yellow flowers, carried just above the foliage, creating double the dazzle.
The long, strap-like foliage has broad stripes of green in the centre with bold margins of either white or yellow down the sides. In shade the edges are white, in sun they are yellow - as ‘Golden Zebra’ is equally happy in light shade or full sun you can choose your colouring.
The fact that this is a deciduous daylily might be seen by some as a disadvantage, but it’s actually a plus in terms of getting the most spectacular display of foliage. This is because the old foliage dies away completely which means that the new growth in spring is all fresh and bright and bold as can be.
There are many ways in which to use ‘Golden Zebra’. It’s a superb edging plant, looking very modern beside steps and paths, especially when planted as a long row. As a ground cover it’s superb, creating a traffic stopping feature when planted as a big group. In brightly coloured pots it has just the right shape for that very cool, designer look.
Combine ‘Golden Zebra’ with other pretty plants for a pleasing effect. Mingle it with dwarf blue agapanthus, purple liriope, lower growing lavenders such as ‘Violet Intrigue’ and white or blue flowered verbenas. Grow it as a foreground to the beautiful blue, almost forever flowering Dichroa ‘Blue Sapphires’ or at the base of the sweetly scented, small growing climber Trachelospermum jasminoides.
Use its bold foliage as a contrast to native plants of character such as Arthropodium ‘Matapouri Bay’ or one of the dark foliage flaxes such as ‘Merlot’. Or, if you want to go a little wild, with the exquisite native Cordyline ‘Albertii’ with its cream and green with a hint of pink striped leaves.
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Schemes & Themes
using Liddle Wonder Plants