perennial

Crimson Pirate Daylily

Hemerocallis fulva 'Crimson Pirate'

The Story

Plant Bio

Crimson Pirate is a resilient daylily known for its vivid red flowers and ability to thrive in a variety of soil types.

This cultivar is a 'spider' type daylily, featuring long, narrow, crimson-red petals with a yellow throat. It is a repeat bloomer.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesA vibrant, eye-catching perennial that provides striking red flowers and long-lasting color in gardens.
Practical UsesDrought tolerant once established, requiring minimal watering and care.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators like bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich blooms.
SpeciesHemerocallis fulvaCommon Orange Daylily

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

30 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate, drought tolerant once established

Humidity

Prefers moderate humidity

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

Toxic to cats; non-toxic to humans and dogs

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil for planting.
  2. Tuck roots or divisions into the soil 2-3 inches deep, spacing 18-24 inches apart.
  3. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around roots.
  4. Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and promote rooting, if propagating from cuttings.
  5. Apply a layer of mulch around the plant to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
  6. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer for optimal growth.

Pro Tip

Plant in full sun for the best bloom and ensure soil is rich and well-drained.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly during dry spells 💧
  • Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms 🌸
  • Apply mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature
  • Divide clumps every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding
  • Fertilize early spring with a balanced fertilizer

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
  • Don’t plant in heavy, poorly-drained clay soil without amendments
  • Refrain from pruning after blooming to allow seed formation
  • Don’t ignore pest signs or disease symptoms
  • Avoid planting in full shade for best flowering

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Divide
Mulch
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vivid perennial border with striking red blossomsBrightens shady spots with its cheerful flowersForms a dynamic groundcover in flower beds

Companion Plants

Daylilies Hostas SedumEchinaceaCoreopsis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Crimson Pirate Daylily questions

What zones can Crimson Pirate Daylily grow in?

Crimson Pirate Daylily is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Crimson Pirate Daylily deer resistant?

Yes — Crimson Pirate Daylily is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Crimson Pirate Daylily bloom?

Crimson Pirate 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 Crimson Pirate Daylily need full sun?

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

Is Crimson Pirate Daylily drought tolerant?

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

Keep exploring

Grow Crimson Pirate Daylily with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.