Hemerocallis 'Prairie Blue Eyes'
prairie blue eyes daylily
Hybrid origin; wild species native to East Asia
Overview
Hemerocallis spp. 'Prairie Blue Eyes' is a mid-season blooming daylily reaching 28-32 inches (70-80 cm) in scape height and 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide as a clump of arching strap-like leaves 18-22 inches (45-55 cm) long, mid-green and grass-textured. Flowers are 5-6 inches (12.5-15 cm) across, lavender-purple with a deeper blue-purple eyezone and a yellow-gold throat, lasting one day each (typical of the diurnal Hemerocallis spp. flowering pattern) but replaced continuously through a 4-6 week bloom period. The cultivar was introduced by James Marsh in 1970 and remains widely grown as a reliable performer in northern climates. Bloom occurs in mid to late June through mid July in USDA zones 5-7, with reblooming occasionally in late summer. Hardy in USDA zones 3-9, this dormant-type daylily tolerates cold winters by dying back to ground level and tolerates summer heat. Plants form fleshy tuberous roots that can be lifted, divided, and replanted every 4-6 years to maintain bloom density. Daylilies are toxic to cats, with all plant parts causing acute kidney failure if ingested; they are non-toxic to humans and dogs and the flower buds are eaten in some Asian cuisines.
Native Range
The genus Hemerocallis spp. is native to eastern Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and eastern Siberia, where wild species grow in grasslands, woodland edges, and stream banks. Modern garden daylilies are complex hybrids with no single native range. The cultivar 'Prairie Blue Eyes' was hybridized in Illinois by James Marsh and registered with the American Hemerocallis Society in 1970.Suggested Uses
Hemerocallis spp. 'Prairie Blue Eyes' is used in mixed perennial borders, mass plantings on slopes, and roadside naturalizations, spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart for solid coverage within 2-3 years. The cultivar is used in low-maintenance landscapes where consistent summer bloom and broad soil tolerance reduce upkeep. Cut flower scapes (with multiple buds) last 5-7 days indoors as buds open in succession.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2'4" - 2'8"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Bloom begins in mid June in USDA zones 5-6 and mid July in cooler zones, continuing 4-6 weeks per clump. Each flower lasts one day, with each scape opening 1-3 flowers per morning over 2-3 weeks. Reblooming occurs in some southern climates with mild autumns, producing a second flush in late August or September.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Lavender-purple with deeper blue-purple eyezone and yellow-gold throatFoliage Description
Mid-green grass-texturedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-12 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
Hemerocallis spp. 'Prairie Blue Eyes' grows in full sun (6+ hours daily) for maximum flowering; partial shade (4-6 hours) reduces flower count by 20-40%. Soil tolerance is broad: any well-drained loam, sand, or amended clay with pH 6.0-7.0 supports growth. Watering during the first growing season supports establishment; mature plants tolerate drought of 2-3 weeks but flowering is heavier with consistent moisture during bud development. Mulching with 2 inches (5 cm) of compost retains moisture and suppresses weeds. Light fertilization with a balanced fertilizer in spring supports flowering; high nitrogen produces lush foliage at the expense of flowers.Pruning
Spent flowers can be removed daily to maintain appearance, since each lasts only one day. Spent flower scapes are cut to the base after all buds finish; this prevents seed formation and tidies the clump. In autumn, dormant-type foliage dies back naturally and can be cut to 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) above ground after frost, with debris removed to reduce overwintering disease.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons