Hemerocallis In Excess - Daylily

The Daylily or Hemerocallis 'In Excess' is a compact variety, rather late, well adapted for ornamenting borders and balconies. Its round flowers display generous, wavy, frilly petals where salmon pink and soft apricot blend. This perennial forms a small clump of leaves that persist more or less in winter. The numerous flowers bloom during a beautiful period between July and August. This cultivar was awarded in the USA in 1998 (Honorable Mention)  

The genus Hemerocallis belongs to the family Liliaceae or daylilies according to classifications. They are hardy perennial plants with deciduous foliage, sometimes semi-evergreen. The variety 'In Excess', obtained in 1990 by Anderson, is the result of cross-breeding between the cultivars Water Winds and Rose Emily. The plant forms a dense clump that will reach about 40 cm (16in) in height, with a relative spread of 30-40 cm (12-16in); daylilies tend to spread a little when they like the terrain. The flowers measure about 12 cm (5in) in diameter. They are composed of 6 wide, rounded and undulate tepals with similar shapes and colours. The throat is yellow-green. Each flower blooms in the morning, lasting no more than a day, but the flowering spreads over several weeks between July and August. The floral stems have numerous flower buds that open successively. The foliage is linear, bright green and semi-evergreen in winter. Daylilies are plants with short rhizomes and fleshy roots that tolerate dry soils but are more lush and floriferous in moist soil.  

Very easy to grow, these plants thrive in shade and sun. Some are invasive; do not hesitate to divide the clumps every four or five years, preferably in autumn, after flowering. Daylilies are often called "the perfect perennial plant" because of their vibrant colours and ability to tolerate any type of environment, but also due to their lack of modesty, they have a beautiful exuberance that goes well with other perennials. Plant them in generous clumps in the background of your flowerbeds. All summer bulb flowers (lilies, agapanthus and Ixias) can be planted alongside daylilies. 'In Excess' is a variety that easily fits into small spaces, at the front of flowerbeds, along paths or even in a pretty pot. It goes well with perennial flax, small grasses, and chamomiles. The flowers are edible: they brighten up salads and decorate desserts.