Hemerocallis Insenescence - Daylily

The Hemerocallis 'Insenescence' or Daylily is quite an ancient variety, not widely spread, offering perfumed, changing flowers with a unique colour. They display a soft orange colour infused with red upon opening, becoming pinker as the hour passes. A beautiful salmon-orange throat warms the flower's centre. The recurved tepals give these flowers a round, compact appearance. The flowering is also slightly perfumed and very abundant in June-July. It is a trouble-free perennial, a wonderful plant that will delight hunters of original varieties and can be grown anywhere, in full sun or partial shade. Excellent cut flower.

The genus Hemerocallis belongs to the Liliaceae family. They are  hardy perennial plants with deciduous, sometimes semi-evergreen foliage. The 'Insenescence' variety, obtained in 1974, grows in a fairly dense clump that will reach 70 cm (28in) in height, with a relative spread of 50 cm (20in), as daylilies tend to spread a little when they like the terrain. The flowers measure about 14-15 cm (6in) in diameter; the petals in this variety are very recurved, thick, wide, slightly wavy, and undulate on the edges. Each flower lasts no more than a day, but the flowering repeats continuously over a beautiful period between June and July. The stems are sturdy and filled with numerous buds. The foliage is abundant, linear, shiny green, and deciduous. Daylilies are plants with short rhizomes and fleshy roots that tolerate dry soils but are more luxurious and floriferous in moist soil.

Very easy to grow, these plants thrive equally well in shade as in full sun. Some can be invasive, so don't hesitate to divide the clumps every four or five years, preferably in autumn, after flowering. Daylilies are often called the perfect perennial plant due to their vibrant colours and ability to tolerate any type of environment, but also because of their lack of modesty; they are exuberant but blend well with other perennials. Plant them in generous clumps at the back of your borders. All summer bulb flowers can be planted alongside daylilies. 'Insenescence', sweet and perfumed, will blend perfectly with the decor of a romantic garden or house, accompanied in the borders or a vase by campanulas, white foxgloves, penstemons, paniculate gypsophila, or tall phlox. Large pots of at least 30 cm (12in) deep on a balcony or patio should be provided, choosing from dwarf varieties. The flowers are edible: they brighten up salads and decorate desserts.