Pollination Information for Pardon Me Daylily (Hemerocallis 'Pardon Me')

The Pardon Me Daylily (Hemerocallis 'Pardon Me') is a perennial plant that belongs to the family of Hemerocallidaceae. As a flowering plant, it heavily relies on pollination to produce its desired results, including fruit and seed production.

The Pardon Me Daylily is a diploid and self-fertile plant. It has both male and female reproductive organs, which allow it to self-pollinate. However, cross-pollination between individual plants is also possible, and it can result in more genetic diversity and better-quality offspring.

Bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds are common pollinators for the Pardon Me Daylily. They are attracted to the flower's sweet nectar and bright colors, which guide them to the reproductive organs. As they collect nectar, they brush against the anthers and stigma of the flower, transferring pollen from one plant to the other.

Pollination usually occurs during the summer months when the Pardon Me Daylily is in full bloom. The flowers are open during the day and close at night, making them ideal for diurnal pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

To ensure proper pollination and maximize the plant's yield, it is important to maintain a diverse population of pollinators and avoid the use of pesticides that may harm them.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pardon Me Daylily (Hemerocallis 'Pardon Me')

1. What is Pardon Me Daylily?

Pardon Me Daylily is a hybrid cultivar of the Hemerocallis genus, which is prized for its showy flowers and low maintenance needs. It is one of the most popular daylilies in cultivation, thanks to its compact size, early blooming period, and profuse flowering habit.

2. What does Pardon Me Daylily look like?

Pardon Me Daylily has vibrant red flowers, which measure about 2.75 inches in diameter and have yellow-green throats. The blooms appear on 25-inch stems in mid- to late-summer, and last for one day (hence the name "daylily"). The plant has clumps of green, strap-like leaves that grow about 18 inches tall and wide.

3. How do I grow Pardon Me Daylily?

Pardon Me Daylily is an easy-to-grow perennial that can thrive in most soil types and light conditions. It prefers well-drained soil that is kept moderately moist, and full sun to part shade exposure. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-9, and can tolerate drought, heat, and cold. It is generally pest and disease resistant, but may experience snail or slug damage.

4. When does Pardon Me Daylily bloom?

Pardon Me Daylily blooms in mid- to late-summer (typically from July to August, depending on your location). The flowers are short-lived, but the plant produces an abundance of buds that open sequentially, providing a long-lasting display. Deadheading (i.e. removing spent blooms) can encourage additional blooming.

5. How do I propagate Pardon Me Daylily?

Pardon Me Daylily can be propagated through division, which is best done in spring or fall. Simply dig up the entire clump, separate it into smaller sections with a sharp knife or shovel, and replant the divisions in soil that has been amended with compost or other organic matter. Be sure to water the new transplants well. You may also propagate Pardon Me Daylily from seed, though this method may not produce plants that are true to the parent plant.

6. How do I care for Pardon Me Daylily?

Pardon Me Daylily requires minimal care once established. Water the plant deeply and regularly during times of drought, and fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10) in spring and summer. Trim back the foliage after the first hard frost in fall, or leave it in place over winter for added protection. You may also want to stake the flower stems if they are prone to bending or breaking.

7. Can Pardon Me Daylily be grown in pots?

Yes, Pardon Me Daylily can be grown in pots or containers if you do not have access to a garden bed or have limited space. Use a well-draining potting mix, and select a container that is at least 12 inches deep and wide. Water the plant regularly and fertilize it with a slow-release fertilizer (e.g. Osmocote) or a liquid fertilizer at half-strength every few weeks. Be sure to provide adequate sunlight, as daylilies prefer full sun.

8. Is Pardon Me Daylily safe for pets?

While daylilies are generally considered non-toxic to pets, some animals may experience gastrointestinal upset if they ingest the leaves, flowers, or roots. Monitor your pet's behavior around Pardon Me Daylily, and contact your veterinarian if you suspect that your pet has eaten any part of the plant.

9. How do I use Pardon Me Daylily in my garden?

Pardon Me Daylily is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of garden settings, including beds and borders, mass plantings, rock gardens, or containers. It pairs well with other perennials and annuals that have similar cultural requirements and complement its red blooms, such as salvias, coneflowers, or black-eyed Susans. You can also mix and match daylily cultivars with different bloom times and colors to create a continuous display throughout the growing season.

10. Where can I buy Pardon Me Daylily?

Pardon Me Daylily is widely available at garden centers, nurseries, and online retailers that specialize in perennials or daylilies. You can also purchase it from specialty daylily growers or collectors, who may have a wider selection of cultivars and offer more personalized service. Look for plants that are healthy, have strong root systems, and are labeled correctly.

Planting Pardon Me Daylilies

Step 1: Choose a location with full sun to partial shade.

Step 2: Till the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches and mix in organic matter like compost or aged manure.

Step 3: Dig a hole that is twice the diameter of the container and just as deep.

Step 4: Remove the plant from the container and loosen the roots gently.

Step 5: Place the plant in the hole and fill in with soil, pressing down gently to remove air pockets.

Step 6: Water the plant thoroughly.

Caring for Pardon Me Daylilies

Watering: Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall and temperature. It is best to water in the morning or evening to avoid evaporation and sunburn.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again in midsummer. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to leaf burn and reduced flowering.

Pruning: Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage more flowers. Cut back foliage to the ground in fall after the first frost.

Pest and Disease Control: Pardon Me Daylilies are relatively pest and disease resistant. However, keep an eye out for slugs, snails, and aphids.

Dividing: Divide the plants every 3-4 years in early spring or fall to keep them vigorous.

Winter Care: Mulch the plants with 2-3 inches of organic material to protect the roots from freezing and thawing.

With proper care, Pardon Me Daylilies will provide years of beautiful, low-maintenance blooms.