Hemerocallis Invictus - Daylily

The Hemerocallis Invictus, also known as Daylily, produces a profusion of small flowers with a beautiful orange colour that is almost "flashy" in the second half of summer. The flower observed closely, displays a yellow-orange hue infused with orange, more or less washed and brushed with burnt orange and cinnamon on the edges. The corollas open in star shapes, almost spider-like, above a generous tuft of spring green foliage. This old variety is also a reliable and sturdy perennial, highly ornamental in flower beds. Stunning when paired with blue or purple flowers.

The 'Invictus' Daylily has an emblematic Latin name, which can be translated as "undefeated, unconquerable", a guarantee of remarkable vigour, but also a reference to the glorious colour of its flowering. Like all daylilies, 'Invictus' belongs to the Liliaceae family. It is one of the many cultivars derived from hardy perennial plants with deciduous or semi-evergreen foliage, depending on the case, originating from central Europe and temperate regions of Asia. This variety, dating back to 1955, is diploid, and its foliage goes dormant in winter. It stands out for its great vigour and floribundity. 'Invictus', the invincible, forms a clump that will reach 1m (3ft) in height, sometimes more under the right conditions, with a minimum spread of 80 cm (32in). The individual flowers, measuring 6.5 cm (3in) wide and star-shaped, do not last more than a day. However, from July to August, they continuously repeat flower on sturdy stems above thick linear foliage. Each flower stem will bear up to 18 buds that gradually open over at least four weeks. Daylilies are plants with short rhizomes and fleshy roots.

The Daylily is often called "the perfect perennial plant" due to its vibrant colours and ability to tolerate drought and thrive in various climate zones while requiring little maintenance.

There are a large number of daylily varieties. The smaller ones (30 cm (12in) tall) are excellent border plants along paths or in flower beds. They can also be planted in clumps in rockeries. The larger daylilies (up to 1m (3ft)) pair wonderfully with other perennial plants. Plant them in generous clumps in the background of flower beds. Daylilies are surprisingly underutilized as cut flowers, even though they provide new flowers daily on cut stems. All summer bulb flowers can be planted alongside daylilies. Gladioli find excellent natural support in this dense plant, eliminating the need for staking. The same goes for lilies, whose subtly shaped flowers are enhanced here. The 'Invictus' variety, with its unmistakable orange flowers, will particularly complement blue to purple flowers such as bellflowers, buglosses, delphiniums, and perennial flax. Of course, all garden plants are welcome, including gaillardias, lychnis, bee balm, daisies, goldenrod, and phlox. Also consider grasses, with their flexible and light habit. Large pots or wooden crates with a minimum depth of 30 cm (12in) should be used on a balcony or patio. Opt for dwarf varieties in this case.

The name Hemerocallis (Hemerocallis in botanical language) comes from the Greek words hemero, meaning "one day", and kallo, meaning "beauty". It can, therefore, be poetically called "beauty of a day". Many varieties have been developed in Japan, where it is very popular.