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Hemerocallis 'El Desperado'
El Desperado Daylily
Garden hybrid; registered Ken Durio 1991
At a Glance
TypePerennial
HabitClumping
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Height26-30 inches (65-75 cm)
Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
Maturity2 years
Overview
Hemerocallis 'El Desperado' is a clumping, semi-evergreen perennial reaching 26–30 inches (65–75 cm) tall with a spread of 18–24 inches (45–60 cm). This daylily produces large, ruffled flowers 5–5.5 inches (13–14 cm) across with mustard-yellow to golden-yellow petals, a bold dark plum-purple eye zone, and a matching plum-purple picotee (petal edge) surrounding a green throat. The combination of the yellow ground with the dark plum eye and edge creates a high-contrast bicolor pattern—similar in structure to 'Custard Candy' but with a more saturated yellow ground and darker eye zone. Each flower lasts one day, with bloom from June through August. Reblooms in some climates. Growth rate is moderate. Hardy to zone 3.
Native Range
Hemerocallis 'El Desperado' is a garden hybrid registered by Ken Durio in 1991. The genus Hemerocallis is native to East Asia.Suggested Uses
Planted in borders at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. The high-contrast bicolor pattern creates a bold effect in summer plantings. Complements solid-colored daylilies for mixed displays. Functions in containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L). Not suitable for deep shade (weakens color contrast) or waterlogged soils.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2'2" - 2'6"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Ruffled flowers 5–5.5 inches (13–14 cm) across, mustard-yellow to golden-yellow with dark plum-purple eye zone and matching picotee edge, green throat, from June through August. Each flower lasts one day. Reblooms in some climates. Bloom duration is 6–8 weeks.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Mustard-yellow to golden-yellow with dark plum-purple eye zone and matching picotee edge; green throatFoliage Description
Medium green, arching strap-shapedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun in average to moist, well-drained soil. Hardy to zone 3. Full sun intensifies the contrast between yellow ground and plum eye/edge. Divide every 3–5 years.Pruning
Remove spent flower scapes at the base. Cut back foliage in late fall or early spring. Divide crowded clumps every 3–5 years.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fallearly spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons