Hemerocallis ‘Black Magic’

Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' is a clump-forming, deciduous daylily cultivar introduced by G. Douglas in 1949. It produces deep ruby-mahogany flowers with contrasting yellow throats on tall flower stalks.

Grow Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' in full sun for the strongest growth and flowering. It can tolerate some partial shade, but heavier shade may reduce the number of blooms.

Water Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' moderately, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged during establishment and flowering. Once established, it is somewhat drought tolerant but performs better with deep watering during prolonged dry spells.

Yes, Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' is generally an easy-care, cold-hardy perennial. Its main requirements are adequate sunlight, reasonably fertile soil, and consistent moisture during active growth.

Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' is a cold-hardy perennial suited to a broad range of USDA hardiness zones, commonly listed around Zones 3–9. Local performance can vary with winter exposure, snow cover, and summer heat.

Yes, Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' can tolerate clay soil, but drainage should be improved if the site stays soggy. Incorporating organic matter and planting slightly high can help prevent crown and root problems.

The best soil is fertile, well-drained loam that remains moderately moist. Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' is adaptable to clay and a broad pH range, including acidic, neutral, and alkaline soils.

Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' can grow in partial shade, especially in hot climates, but full sun usually produces better flowering. Too much shade may result in fewer flowers and weaker flower stalks.

Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' typically reaches about 36–38 inches tall, with a mature clump spreading roughly 18–24 inches. Its size depends on soil, moisture, sunlight, and age.

The most common causes are insufficient sunlight, drought stress, excessive nitrogen, or a recently divided plant that is still establishing. Move or thin surrounding plants if necessary and provide consistent moisture during spring and early summer.

Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' usually needs only moderate fertilization in fertile soil. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring if growth is weak, and avoid excessive nitrogen because it can encourage foliage at the expense of flowers.

Possible pests include aphids, thrips, spider mites, slugs, snails, earwigs, and daylily gall midge. Inspect new growth and flower buds regularly, especially during warm, humid weather.

Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' is generally dependable but can develop fungal leaf spot, rust, or rot in stressful conditions. Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove badly affected foliage.

Yes, remove faded flowers to keep the plant tidy and prevent energy from going into seed production. Once all buds on a flower stalk have opened, cut the spent stalk near its base.

Remove flower stalks after flowering and cut back dead or declining foliage in late fall or early spring. Do not remove healthy green leaves during the growing season because they support the plant’s energy reserves.

Plant Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' in early spring or early fall, when temperatures are moderate. Water newly planted divisions regularly until roots are established.

Plant the crown so the point where the roots meet the leaves is about 1 inch below the soil surface. Planting too deeply can reduce vigor and flowering, while exposed crowns may dry out or suffer winter injury.

Yes, Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' can grow in a large container with drainage holes and fertile, well-drained potting mix. Choose a container wide enough for the clump and protect the roots from severe winter temperature swings.

Space Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' about 18–24 inches apart to allow the clumps to expand. Wider spacing improves air circulation, while closer spacing creates a faster-filled display.

Propagate Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' by dividing established clumps in early spring or early fall. Division produces plants identical to the parent, while seedlings may differ from the named cultivar.

Yes, Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' can be grown from seed, but seedlings will not reliably reproduce the parent’s flower color or form. Seed propagation is mainly useful for breeding rather than cloning this cultivar.

Divide Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' in early spring or early fall, avoiding periods of extreme heat or drought. Replant divisions promptly and keep them evenly watered while they reestablish.

Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' expands gradually by forming larger clumps rather than spreading aggressively. Divide it when the center becomes crowded or flowering declines.

Yes, Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' is highly toxic to cats, and ingestion can cause life-threatening kidney failure. Keep all parts away from cats and contact a veterinarian or animal poison service immediately if ingestion is suspected.

Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' is generally listed as non-toxic to dogs, although eating plant material can still cause stomach upset. Prevent pets from chewing garden plants and seek veterinary advice if symptoms occur.

No, Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' is a daylily in the genus Hemerocallis, not a true lily in the genus Lilium. Despite that distinction, daylilies remain highly dangerous to cats.

Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' is generally a midseason to late-midseason bloomer, producing flowers in mid to late summer depending on the climate. Bloom timing may occur earlier in the southern United States and later in northern regions.

The flowers are deep ruby red to mahogany, often appearing nearly black in certain light, with a contrasting lemon-yellow throat. The exact color is strongest in bright conditions and can vary with temperature.

The flowers of Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' are typically about 5.5–6 inches wide. They are trumpet-shaped and carried on tall scapes above the foliage.

Each flower usually lasts for about one day, opening in the morning and fading by evening or the following day. Many buds open in succession, allowing the plant to remain colorful for an extended bloom period.

Hemerocallis 'Black Magic' is not consistently documented as a reblooming cultivar, so its main display should be expected during its normal midseason to late-midseason bloom period. Rebloom may vary with climate, moisture, and growing conditions.