Little Grapette Daylily

Overview

Little Grapette is a compact, miniature daylily prized for its rich grape-purple blooms held on short, tidy scapes just above the foliage (Hemerocallis 'Little Grapette'). Its small stature and saturated colour make it stand out among the taller, warmer-toned daylilies most gardeners already know, and it often reblooms for a second flush later in the season.

Origin & Background

The daylily genus Hemerocallis is native to eastern Asia, ranging across China, Korea, Japan, and eastern Siberia, where the wild species grow in meadows, forest margins, and along streams. Little Grapette is a garden hybrid, a diploid miniature registered by hybridizer Williamson in 1970, and it has remained popular for decades thanks to its dependable, deep-purple flowers on a small plant.

Appearance

The foliage is grassy, arching, and mid-green, forming a low clump. Flowers are small for a daylily, roughly 5 cm across, in a solid grape to deep violet-purple with a subtle darker eye zone and a small green-to-yellow throat. Mature plants reach about 30 cm tall in bloom with a clump spread of roughly 45 to 60 cm. Each individual flower lasts a single day, but a well-established clump opens a steady succession of buds. It is registered as semi-evergreen, so in cold climates the foliage dies back for winter and reappears in spring.

Why People Grow It - Qualities & Benefits

• Compact size fits the front of borders, small beds, and containers where full-size daylilies would overwhelm
• Deep grape-purple colour is uncommon and pairs well with silver, chartreuse, and soft yellow companions
• Tough, low-maintenance, and forgiving once established
• Often reblooms, extending colour beyond a single flush

Care

Light: Full sun is best for the richest colour and most buds; tolerates light afternoon shade, where deep-purple tones can hold better in intense heat. Water: Average, even moisture; water regularly the first season, then it is quite drought-tolerant once rooted in. Soil: Adaptable, but prefers fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter; slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal. Hardiness: USDA zones 3 to 9. Bloom or Season: Early to midseason bloomer (early to midsummer), with a bloom period of several weeks and frequent rebloom later in the season. Extra: Because the flowers are small, plant in groups of three or more for real impact rather than as single specimens. Important pet-safety note: daylilies are extremely dangerous to cats and can cause fatal kidney failure even in tiny amounts - keep cats away and call a vet immediately if any part is eaten.

Planting & Propagation

Plant in spring or early autumn, setting the crown about 2.5 cm below the soil surface in a spot with good drainage. Space clumps around 45 to 60 cm apart to allow them to fill in. The easiest and most reliable way to propagate is by division: lift an established clump every three to four years in early spring or after flowering, split it into fans each with roots attached, and replant promptly. Division also keeps older clumps vigorous and free-flowering.

Common Problems & Pests

• Daylily rust and leaf streak can spot or discolour foliage in humid conditions; improve airflow and remove affected leaves
• Aphids and thrips may distort buds and new growth
• Crown rot can occur in soggy, poorly drained soil, so avoid planting too deep or in standing water

Toxicity & Safety

Daylilies pose a serious, well-documented danger to cats. All parts of the plant - leaves, flowers, stems, and even pollen or water from a vase - can cause acute, potentially fatal kidney failure in cats, and even a small amount ingested is a genuine emergency. If you keep cats, do not grow daylilies where they can reach them, and if a cat eats or chews any part, contact a veterinarian or an animal poison line immediately, because prompt treatment greatly improves the outcome. For dogs the risk is far lower, usually limited to mild stomach upset such as drooling or vomiting, though it is still best kept out of reach. The ASPCA lists daylilies (Hemerocallis) as toxic to cats. For dogs, the ASPCA lists them as non-toxic.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Unusual deep grape-purple blooms on a neat, compact plant
• Hardy, drought-tolerant, and easy for beginners

Cons

• Each flower lasts only one day, so colour depends on continuous budding
• Extremely hazardous to cats, making it a poor choice for cat households

Best Suited For

• Front-of-border edging, small beds, and mixed containers
• Beginner gardeners and low-maintenance, cat-free landscapes

FAQ

Does Little Grapette really rebloom?

Yes, it is known to rebloom in many gardens, sending up a second flush of scapes later in the season, especially when grown in full sun with steady moisture and dividing before clumps get overcrowded.

How big does it get?

It is a miniature daylily that stays small, reaching about 30 cm tall in bloom with a clump spreading to roughly 45 to 60 cm wide, which makes it ideal for edging and containers.