Product Description

Few perennials are as tough and versatile as daylilies (genus Hemerocallis), and even fewer offer daylilies' enormous range of color, shape, and growing characteristics. The ease of hybridizing daylilies is a major attraction for the enthusiast. Any backyard gardener can hybridize daylilies, but this blessing of easy breeding can also be something of a curse to the newcomer. Tens of thousands of new daylilies are bred each year. How to choose and grow daylilies amidst this profusion? John Peat and Ted Petit have come to the rescue in this authoritative overview of all aspects of daylily history, cultivation, and breeding. Inspired by R. W. Munson Jr.'s classic treatment, Hemerocallis, they fully describe the history of the modern daylily. In the heart of the book, they detail the various types of hybrids and provide indispensable advice for growing all of them well. More than 200 beautiful color photographs and illustrations round out the work.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #322706 in Books
• Published on: 2004-11-15
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 1.73 pounds
• Binding: Hardcover
• 200 pages

From Booklist
Blessed as it is with a relatively carefree nature, extensive climate range, and dazzling color spectrum, the daylily is deservedly popular with amateur and professional gardeners alike; so much so that some 1,600 new daylilies are introduced into the marketplace annually and in excess of 50,000 registered cultivars are widely available. Such a profusion of daylilies is bound to breed confusion. Enter this up-to-date and comprehensive guidebook aimed at demystifying the current state of one of horticulture's most prolific, varied, and adaptable members. Covering a broad range of topics, from the history of the species to a first look at as-yet-unnamed new introductions, the manual also offers an inclusive directory of those daylilies generally considered most desirable by today's gardeners. Contributing authors, each an expert in a specific aspect of daylily gardening, discuss topics such as cultivation, landscape design, and the increasingly popular field of hybridization. More than 200 color photographs and illustrations aid in making this a must-have reference for the daylily devotee. Carol Haggas
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
A horticultural gem.John Bagnasco, Garden Compass, April 2005 (Garden Compass )

Another beautiful book by Peat and Petit.Joanne S. Carpender, National Gardener, December 2004 (National Gardener )

There's much to appreciate about this comprehensive guide.Lynne Terry, Oregonian, October 28, 2004 (Oregonian )

About the Author
Ted L. Petit, professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Toronto, breeds daylilies at his Florida garden, Le Petit Jardin. He is a member of the American Hemerocallis Society and co-author of The Color Encyclopedia of Daylilies.

John P. Peat of Toronto, Ontario, is a research technician in biology, daylily hybridizer, and nurseryman. He is the owner of Cross Border Daylilies. He is a member of the American Hemerocallis Society and co-author of The Color Encyclopedia of Daylilies.