Going Bananas for the Yellow Bird Cocktail

I’ve been reminiscing about some of my favorite plants. You see, I’ve just relocated from Portland, Oregon to Oak Park, Illinois, and I am realizing that many of my beloveds can’t handle the frigid winters of my new clime. Further, my yard is mostly shade now…and I can say I am already missing my former full-sun borders.

Fortunately, I won’t have to give up one of my new favorites… the ’Going Bananas’ Daylily. I was lucky enough to receive this new-to-market goody as a part of my last year’s Proven Winners plant preview package. I had it before it ever hit the market, which means I’ve grown it for a full year now…seen how it behaves and how it blooms…and blooms…and blooms.

This re-blooming daylily puts on new growth at a rapid pace. Its strappy, verdant leaves provide a perfect frame for the abundant creamy yellow flowers that appear throughout the growing season. This beauty is hardy in zones 3a to 9b and takes full to part sun. What else could I ask of a plant?

I decided to skip the obvious title for this post (Going Bananas for ‘Going Bananas’) and instead link it to a cocktail called the Yellow Bird. It is deliciously banana-flavored and perfect for sipping out on the deck on hot summer evenings. Just what I need to celebrate this gorgeous daylily and my new home!

Yellow Bird Cocktail

1 ounce light rum

¼ ounce Galliano

¼ ounce Crème de Banana

2 ounces orange juice

1 ounce pineapple juice

Combine ingredients and stir or shake well. Pour over ice and add a cute bamboo umbrella. Serve.

^© 2012 Proven Winners, LLC.