perennial RHS Award

Barbara Mitchell Daylily

Hemerocallis 'Barbara Mitchell'

The Story

Plant Bio

Daylilies are among the most popular and easy-to-grow perennials, prized for their showy, trumpet-shaped flowers and remarkable adaptability to a wide range of conditions.

'Barbara Mitchell' is a beloved classic, famous for its perfectly formed, 6-inch, soft pink flowers with ruffled edges and a green throat, and for its reliable reblooming habit.

Uses & Benefits:

The soft, clear pink, perfectly formed flowers of 'Barbara Mitchell' bring a romantic and elegant touch to the summer garden. Its reblooming nature extends the season of interest, and its grassy foliage is attractive even when not in bloom.

Daylilies are excellent for erosion control on slopes due to their dense, fibrous root systems. They are also highly tolerant of roadside salt spray and urban pollution, making them a tough landscape solution.

The trumpet-shaped flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, contributing to the biodiversity of the garden.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

20 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived perennial

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans, but toxic to cats

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location with at least six hours of direct sun.
Prepare the soil by loosening it and adding compost.
Dig a hole large enough to spread out the roots.
Create a small mound in the center of the hole.
Place the plant on the mound, with the crown no more than one inch deep.
Backfill with soil, water thoroughly, and mulch.

Pro Tip

For best rebloom, deadhead spent flowers regularly and provide a deep watering after the first flush of blooms has finished.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply once a week during dry spells.
Deadhead spent blooms daily for a tidy appearance.
Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.
Remove entire flower scapes after all buds have bloomed.

Don't

Do not plant the crown too deep.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote foliage over flowers.
Don't let them dry out completely during active growth.
Avoid planting in deep shade, which severely reduces flowering.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Classic choice for perennial bordersSoft color for mass plantingsReliable performer for edging walkways

Companion Plants

Salvia 'May Night'Echinacea purpurea Perovskia atriplicifolia Phlox paniculata Liatris spicata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Barbara Mitchell Daylily questions

What zones can Barbara Mitchell Daylily grow in?

Barbara Mitchell Daylily is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Barbara Mitchell Daylily deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Barbara Mitchell Daylily, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Barbara Mitchell Daylily bloom?

Barbara Mitchell Daylily typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Barbara Mitchell Daylily need full sun?

Barbara Mitchell Daylily does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Barbara Mitchell Daylily drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Barbara Mitchell Daylily handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.