Hemerocallis Daring Deception - Daylily

Hemerocallis 'Daring Deception' is a magnificent perennial variety that bears numerous round flowers with wide petals, finely fringed at the edges, bicoloured, in creamy lavender pink and dark plum. This vigorous tetraploid cultivar, with a rather early and particularly long flowering period, possesses a unique charm. The plant quickly forms beautiful clusters of more or less evergreen leaves in winter. This variety has received several awards, particularly in the U.S.A in 2005 (Honorable Mention). 

The genus Hemerocallis belongs to the family Liliaceae or Hemerocallidaceae according to the classifications. These are hardy perennial plants with deciduous foliage, sometimes semi-evergreen. 'Daring Deception' was obtained in 1994 by Salter. It is a so-called tetraploid variety, which has a double set of chromosomes, giving it increased vigour and oversized flowers compared to classical diploid varieties. It forms a fairly dense clump that will reach about 75-80 cm (30-32in) in height, with a relative spread of 50-60 cm (20-24in).  Hemerocallis tend to spread a little when they like the terrain. The flowers measure about 11 cm (4in) in diameter. They consist of 3 large, thick, slightly wavy, rounded petals with finely and strongly undulated edges, and 3 smaller petals. The large petals are a slightly antique pink, with lavender and cream highlights, they have a large halo of contrasting purple colour and an irregular purple border. The small petals (or sepals) are the same colour, but without a trace of purple on the edges. The throat is lemon green.  Each flower blooms in the morning, lasts no more than a day, but the flowering spans from June to the end of August. The foliage is linear, bright green and more or less evergreen in winter. Hemerocallis 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 both in shade and in the sun. Some of them can be a little invasive, so don't hesitate to divide the clumps every four or five years, preferably in autumn, after flowering. Hemerocallis is often called "the perfect perennial plant" because of its vibrant colours, its ability to tolerate any type of environment, but also due to its lack of modesty, as it exudes 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 (lilies, agapanthus, ixias...) can be planted alongside hemerocallis. 'Daring Deception' is a particularly decorative variety, to be highlighted next to pink, white, purple or mauve blooms. It goes well with grasses, lavenders, and chamomiles, for example. The flowers are edible: they brighten up salads and decorate desserts.