'Ruby Throat' ... I am seeing words such as 'reliable' and 'super performer' from Bob and Zoia (above), and agree with both of them. I've been growing 'Ruby Throat' for just about 20 years now, so you can add 'cold-hardy' to the list.
I had read, years ago, that 'Ruby Throat' was named in tribute to the hummingbird of the same designation and yes, that colour is reminiscent of that red-flash displayed by the males.
But unlike many gardeners, I am not a fan of 'red' ... I usually don't care for red flowers at all (because most 'red' flowers are 'not' red). Most 'red' flowers are red-orange or red-gold or red-ish. And, really, I don't have very many 'red' flowers in the gardens ... a couple of roses, several daylilies, and a peony planted in memory of an aunt who loved 'everything red'.
'Ruby Throat' is truly a 'red' flower, and I am a huge fan
of this daylily.
While 'Ruby Throat' does not bloom for quite as long, here in zone 3, as it does for Zoia in Massachussetts ... when it blooms, 'Ruby Throat' is stunning to see. It holds its colour in the sunshine, but even more interesting is the fact that it blooms very well even in 'mostly' shade. And it gleams out from under the branches of hedge shade trees like a little red ryder wagon.
It brightens the dullest corner of the yard and, in gardens where I now have 'about' 2000 daylilies... it's the only daylily that I have planted into three different locations ... full sun, dappled sun and 'more on the shady side'. It flowers in all of them.
... full sun
... dappled sun
... under the hedge
This one has earned its place(s) in my gardens - and most likely, should be in yours.
