Hemerocallis ‘Bela Lugosi’

Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi' is an award-winning tetraploid daylily cultivar with deep purple to burgundy flowers and a lime-green throat. It is a vigorous, clump-forming perennial hybridized by Curt Hanson and registered in 1995.

Grow Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi' in full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of direct sun preferred for the best flowering. Afternoon shade can help protect the dark blooms in very hot climates.

Water regularly while newly planted, then reduce watering once Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi' is established. It has low to average water needs and tolerates short dry periods, but flowering improves when the soil does not become severely dry during bud formation.

Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi' is very cold hardy and is commonly listed for USDA Zones 3 through 9. Winter performance can vary with local drainage, snow cover, and exposure.

Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi' typically reaches about 29 to 33 inches tall and spreads approximately 18 to 24 inches. Mature size depends on growing conditions and the age of the clump.

Plant Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi' in moderately fertile, well-drained soil that holds some moisture without staying soggy. It adapts to loam, clay, sandy soil, and a range of soil pH values when drainage is adequate.

Yes, Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi' can grow in clay soil if excess water drains away. Improve heavy clay with organic matter and avoid planting in low spots where the crown may remain waterlogged.

Yes, it can grow in partial shade, but too much shade may reduce the number of flowers and weaken the display. Morning sun or filtered light is generally more reliable than deep shade.

Established Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi' is reasonably drought tolerant, although it performs best with occasional deep watering during prolonged heat or drought. Newly planted divisions need more consistent moisture until rooted.

Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi' can be grown in a large container with drainage holes, but its mature size requires a substantial pot. Use quality potting mix, water when the surface begins to dry, and provide winter protection where container roots are exposed to severe cold.

Yes, Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi' is considered easy to grow once established. Good drainage, adequate sun, occasional watering during dry weather, and periodic division are usually sufficient.

The most common causes are insufficient sunlight, newly divided or recently transplanted roots, drought during bud formation, or excessive nitrogen fertilizer. Move or thin surrounding plants if the clump is shaded, and allow time for a recently planted division to establish.

Fertilize only when the soil is poor or growth is weak, using a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring. Avoid heavy nitrogen applications because they can produce lush foliage at the expense of flowers.

Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi' may be affected by aphids, thrips, slugs, snails, spider mites, or daylily gall midge. Inspect new growth and flower buds regularly, remove damaged tissue, and use a control appropriate for the identified pest.

Possible problems include fungal leaf spot, rust, and bacterial crown or stem rot. Reduce risk by providing good air circulation, watering the soil rather than the foliage, and removing diseased leaves and decaying plant material.

Deadhead spent flowers to improve appearance and prevent energy being directed toward seed production. Removing old blooms may also help reduce conditions favorable to daylily gall midge, but it is not essential for plant survival.

Cut flower scapes back after flowering finishes and remove dead or badly damaged foliage as needed. In late fall, old foliage can be cut close to the ground after it has yellowed or been killed by frost.

Plant Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi' in spring or early fall when the soil is workable. Spring planting gives the roots a full growing season, while early-fall planting allows establishment before the ground freezes.

Space Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi' about 18 to 24 inches apart, measured from crown to crown. Use the wider spacing for a more open planting and the narrower spacing for quicker visual fullness.

Plant the crown so the junction between the roots and the green shoots is about 1 inch below the soil surface. Spread the roots outward and avoid burying the crown deeply, which can reduce vigor and flowering.

You can transplant it during bloom, but spring or early fall is usually less stressful and supports faster root recovery. If moving it in summer, water thoroughly afterward and remove some flower scapes to reduce stress.

Dig up the clump, separate it into sections with healthy roots and several fans, and replant the divisions with the crown about 1 inch below the soil. Divide in spring or early fall, then water well until new growth is established.

Divide Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi' about every 3 to 5 years or whenever the clump becomes crowded and flowering declines. Vigorous plants may remain productive longer if they still have room and bloom well.

Yes, it can be grown from seed, but seedlings will not reliably reproduce the named cultivar. Division is the preferred method when you want new plants identical to the parent.

Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi' is classified as semi-evergreen, so some foliage may persist in mild climates while much of it dies back in colder areas. Its winter appearance can vary according to local temperatures and growing conditions.

Yes, Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi' is toxic to cats if ingested and should be kept away from them. Contact a veterinarian or animal poison service immediately if a cat chews or eats any part of the plant.

Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi' is not generally listed as toxic to dogs, but eating plant material can still cause stomach upset. Prevent pets from consuming it and consult a veterinarian if symptoms develop.

Some horticultural references describe daylily flowers as edible, but this should not be assumed safe for every cultivar or growing situation. Do not eat flowers treated with pesticides, and avoid culinary use if the plant’s identity or chemical history is uncertain.

Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi' is a midseason daylily that generally blooms in summer, often around mid-June through July depending on the region. Local climate, latitude, and spring temperatures can shift the exact timing.

The flowers are large, single, deep purple to burgundy blooms with a contrasting lime-green throat that may blend into a greenish-gold center. Individual flowers last about one day, but numerous buds open successively over an extended display.

The flowers are approximately 6 inches across. The cultivar is valued for its large blooms, strong branching, and generally heavy bud count.

Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi' is primarily classified as a midseason cultivar, and rebloom is not guaranteed in every garden. Some growers report a later flush under favorable conditions, especially with adequate moisture, sunlight, and removal of spent scapes.

Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi' is generally listed as non-fragrant or without notable fragrance. Its main ornamental features are the dark purple color, lime-green throat, large flowers, and vigorous habit.