The Sweet-Sounding Daylily That Adds Sophistication To A Moody Garden

Looking for a flower that is easy to grow and brings a sweet, moody aura to your backyard? Look no further. The 'Sweet Hot Chocolate' daylily (Hemerocallis 'Sweet Hot Chocolate') is the perfect plant for you. Whether your status as a gardener is novice or expert, this is one perennial that's perfect for your garden because it thrives in a number of climates as long as it has sun exposure and well-drained soil. Its rich red and cocoa-colored petals bloom in summer, adding depth and sophistication to any garden. This delicious-looking delight also features a bright yellow center when it blooms in the summer. 

Not only is the 'Sweet Hot Chocolate' visually appealing, but it is also edible. Add this beauty as a garnish to summer cocktails and salads for an extra oomph factor. Unfortunately, its chocolatey essence does not translate to its taste. However, both its moody beauty and ease of care make it an absolute must-have for your outdoor space.

This charming daylily is clump-forming and evergreen, meaning it retains its foliage year-round in areas where it doesn't freeze. USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9 can enjoy its vibrant summer blossoms, and providing liquid fertilizer and consistent watering will help ensure healthy bud development. Chalky, clay, and loamy soil types are compatible with the 'Sweet Hot Chocolate' daylily, and these flowers can tolerate a wide range of pH balances. While they thrive in a range of soil types, their tuberous roots require well-drained soil. If you aren't sure what you have, find out what clay soil is and if it's the right fit for your chocolatey garden.

Unique and aesthetically pleasing as 'Sweet Hot Chocolate' might be, these daylilies are extremely toxic for cats and have the potential to cause illness to dogs, according to the ASPCA. Therefore, if you have pets, take precautionary measures to guarantee they do not come in contact with this plant and save yourself a veterinary bill. Although the blooms only last about 24 hours, enough buds are produced to keep flowers in bloom all summer long, so it's better to be safe than sorry. 

If 'Sweet Hot Chocolate' daylilies sound good enough to eat to you, there are many similar chocolatey plants that smell and look like your favorite cocoa treats. For instance, chocolate cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus) are deep burgundy flowers native to Mexico that look and smell like rich, red cocoa. Chocolate daisies (Berlandiera lyrata) are not only native to parts of the U.S. and perfect for bringing birds to your yard, but they also give off an indulgent chocolate scent. Likewise, the chocolate vine (Akebia quinata) exudes a sugary fragrance with cocoa-scented flowers blooming in late spring. These plants, along with the chocolate mint herb (Mentha x piperita), offer a sensory captivation for your garden while imparting a moody vibe.

Aesthetic-wise, both the 'Dark Chocolate' coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Dark Chocolate') and talavera chocolate mint coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) pair beautifully with the 'Sweet Hot Chocolate' daylily. The 'Dark Chocolate' coleus, with its rich plum-colored leaves, combines with the green contrast provided by the chocolate mint coleus to add moody hues while creating optical harmony with the daylily's vibrancy. So whether you are in search of visual or olfactory satisfaction, try adding these chocolatey treasures to your outdoor space.