Hemerocallis Rosy Returns - Daylily

Daylily or Hemerocallis Rosy Returns is one of the few pink varieties that is both very hardy and intensely perpetual, even in cold climates. From June until very late in the season, it offers beautifully scented flowers, in a soft old pink colour, tinted with cream on the edges and marked with a deep pink central halo surrounding a bright yellow throat. Its modest size, abundant flowering and very compact habit make it a sensational variety for adorning terraces or highlighting borders. An exceptional perennial plant, that is nonetheless easy to grow in fertile soil that is not too dry in summer.

The Hemerocallis genus belongs to the Liliaceae family. These are perennial and hardy plants with deciduous foliage, sometimes semi-evergreen. The 'Rosy Returns' variety, obtained in 1999, continues its "career" as an exceptional cultivar. It grows quickly, in a fairly dense clump that will reach 40-45 cm (16-18 in) in height, with a relative spread of 50 cm (20 in); daylilies tend to spread a bit when they like the soil. Its flowering is rather early and of an exceptional duration. The flowers measure about 8-10 cm (3-4 in) in diameter and are large in relation to the size of the plant. Every detail of this flower is perfect, down to its discreet and delicately floral scent. Its petals are thick and slightly wavy, undulating on the edges, giving it a slightly tousled and very soft appearance. The satiny substance of the floral parts reflects the light beautifully. Each flower lasts no more than a day, but flowering is continuous over a beautiful period between June and July. The stems are robust and carry up to 10 flower buds. The linear and deciduous foliage disappears quite early. 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 succeed equally well in shade or in the sun. Some of them can be a bit invasive, so do not hesitate to divide the clumps every four or five years, preferably in autumn, after flowering. The daylily is often called "the perfect perennial plant", because of its vibrant colours and its ability to tolerate any type of environment, but also because of its lack of modesty: it is beautifully exuberant and 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. 'Rosy Returns' will fit perfectly into the setting of a romantic garden, with campanulas, penstemons, perennial flaxes or phloxes by its side. It will be stunning on a balcony or terrace. Large pots of at least 30 cm (12 in) deep should be used. The flowers are edible: they brighten up salads and garnish desserts.