Hemerocallis Orange Prelude - Daylily

The Daylily or Hemerocallis 'Orange Prelude' is an excellent variety, quite old but still widely planted. It stands out for its very early flowering, starting in June, in the form of fragrant flowers of medium size and classic shape, sporting a beautiful bright orange colour, leaning slightly towards yellow, with perfectly smooth petals. The vigorous and prolific plant quickly forms beautiful and bright clumps in flower beds. A great classic that is ideal for any garden!

The genus Hemerocallis belongs to the family Liliaceae. These are  perennial and hardy plants with deciduous foliage, sometimes semi-evergreen. The variety 'Orange Prelude', tetraploid obtained in 1974, grows in fairly dense clumps that will reach 55-60 cm (22-24in) in height for the foliage, 70 cm (28in) in flower, with a relative spread of 60 cm (24in); daylilies tend to spread a little when they like the soil. The single-line flowers measure about 15 cm (6in) in diameter; the petals in this variety are smooth lanceolate, with very little frizziness on the edges. Their colour is a very bright orange, with lemon-yellow reflections, and their fragrance is quite noticeable. The long-recurved stamens adopt the same orange colour. Each flower lasts little more than a day, but the flowering continues continuously over a beautiful period between early June and July. The stems are robust and filled with numerous buds. The foliage is linear and deciduous. Daylilies are plants with short rhizomes and fleshy roots that tolerate dry soils but are more opulent and floriferous in moist soil.

Very easy to grow, these plants thrive in shade and sun. Some can be invasive, so don't hesitate to divide the clumps every four or five years, preferably in autumn, after flowering. The daylily is often called "the perfect perennial" because of its vibrant colours and ability to tolerate any type of environment. Due to its lack of modesty, it has a beautiful exuberance that goes well with other perennials. Plant them in generous clumps at the back of your flower beds. All summer bulb flowers can be planted alongside daylilies. 'Orange Prelude' will be highlighted in a large bed of perennials or annuals, associated with grasses, beautiful foliage like fennel or lady's mantle, wildflowers like ornamental carrots, asphodels, chamomile or Ammi visnaga, which will not overshadow the beauty of its flowers. Large pots of at least 30 cm (12in) deep on a balcony or patio should be provided and chosen from among the dwarf varieties. The flowers are edible: they brighten up salads and decorate desserts, each variety having its own flavour.