My absolute favorite "oldie" is 'Agnes Shumate', hybridizer - Greisbach '74. Anyone who thinks a daylily has to have eyes or patterns or ruffles, etc. in order to be drop dead gorgeous should see Agnes! It is a large flower, deep gold, and the plant is much taller than its registered with flowers on strong stems held above the foliage. Beautiful foliage is one of its best qualities. Before it blooms and after it blooms it is a wonderful green shrub amidst some daylily plants that may not be at their best, foliage-wise. I have never taken a photo of the plant (I have 2 large clumps) after it's done blooming... this year I will!
Agnes was given to me by Mildred Krueger, a long-time friend of my mother-in-law, who was the historian of the AHS many years ago, and she acquired the very best of the daylilies being grown back in the 70's and 80's. When she learned that I was sincere in my daylily interest, she gave me at least 50 "oldies", every one of which I treasure! Of newer oldies, a few of my favorites are: 'Janice Brown', 'Strawberry Candy' and 'Wineberry Candy', 'Siloam Merle Kent', 'Barbara Mitchell' and 'Lilting Lavender'.
