TETRAPLOID (from the Greek tetrapl6os - fourfold and didos - species), an organism that has 4 main (haploid) sets of chromosomes (4p) in all body cells, or a separate cell with four haploid sets of chromosomes. In grapes, as in other plants, T. can arise spontaneously under normal natural conditions on industrial plantations in the form of large-berry somatic genomic mutations with a frequency of 1:25,000. They can also be obtained experimentally after treating grape plants with colchicine or gamma rays. The first natural tetraploid forms of grapes were discovered by B. Nebel (1929), who cytologically proved that large-berry clones of Muscat gigas and Sultanina gigas contain 4 haploid sets of chromosomes in somatic cells (An = 76). Some species of this genus, for example T. oliviforme Planch., have edible berries. Species of the genus T. are characterized by 3 somatics. set of chromosomes:
ordinary diploid plants of the same varieties contain 2 such sets (2 l = 38). Later, many T. grapes were identified among large-berry varieties (for example, White Kishmish, Gherkin, Malbec, Muscat of Alexandria, Rhenish Riesling, Portugieser, Tokay, Shabash, etc.). Tetraploid forms of grapes, resulting from spontaneous somatic mutations, are found in many countries with developed industrial viticulture. The most common and characteristic feature of T. grapes is an increase in the size of meristematic cells. However, ultimately, the size of an individual organ and the plant as a whole also depends on the number of cells and the degree of their stretching. Therefore, in T., an increase in size as a result of tetraploidy (the gigas effect) is most often observed and is most pronounced in organs with a final type of growth (for example, anthers, seeds, berries, bunches). It has also been established that in T. grapes there is a change in the growth rate, leading to an increase in habit in some varieties (for example, Shabash large-berry), when this indicator increases, or vice versa, to a decrease in the plant as a whole (for example, Sageret, Chasselas gros Kulyar pink ) if the growth rate decreases. It is especially important that under natural conditions, grape varieties usually self-pollinate and do not cross with related diploid grape plants, i.e., a genetic barrier arises between them. See also Autopolyploidy, Amphidiploid, Polyploidy.
Literature: Dermen X. Colchiploidy in grapes. - In the book: Polyploidy: Sat. articles / Ed. P.A.Baranova, B.L.Astaurova. M., 1956; Golodriga P. Ya. et al. Spontaneous tetraploid mutants of grapes. - Cytology and genetics, 1970, vol. 4, No. 1; Rudenko I. S., Zotkin I. I. Autotetraploid form of grapes. - Izv. Academy of Sciences of Moldova, ser. biol. and chem. Sciences, 1972, No. 5; Topale Sh. G. Polyploidy in grapes. - K., 1983; Rives M., Pouget R. Le chasselas Gros Coulard - mutant tetraploide. - Vitis, 1959, Bd.2, H. 1.
Today daylilies have entered a new stage of their development. To date, more than 70 thousand varieties have been registered, and new ones appear every year. New fancy shapes, new types of coloring, new fantasy designs on the petals, as if created by the brush of a talented artist. No other crop has such a variety of shapes, colors, flower sizes, and bush heights. How to understand all this diversity in order to make the right choice? The official classification of daylilies will help us with this.
The official world registrar of varieties is the American Hemerocallis Society (AHS), founded in 1946. This Society has developed a classification of daylily, which reflects all its capabilities as an ornamental garden plant.
Genetic ploidy
This characteristic tells us about the number of chromosomes in a daylily. Diploids (DIP) have 22 of them, tetraploids (TET) have 44. At first, all daylilies were diploids, but in the middle of the last century a way was found to convert diploid daylilies into tetraploid ones. Parts of the daylily were treated with colchicine, which blocks cell division (isolated from autumn crocus - Colchicum autumnale L.) and as a result of this conversion, daylilies with 44 chromosomes (tetraploids) were obtained. The first tetraploids were obtained in the early 50s of the twentieth century. It was then that a breakthrough occurred in the selection of daylilies. Due to the increase in the number of chromosomes, limitless possibilities for developing new varieties have opened up.
If some diploid variety has great potential for breeding work, then it is transferred to the tetraploid version. Conversion of daylilies is a complex and lengthy process, and therefore very expensive. A tetraploid version of the same variety will cost significantly more than its diploid version. Also, the high price for tetraploid versions is often due to increased demand among hybridizers who actively use this variety in their breeding work. For example, in 2014, the TET version of Rose F. Kennedy (Dorakian/Stamile) cost $2,500, and the DIP version of the same variety cost only $50. Tetraploid Time Stopper (Gossard/Stamile) costs $300, and diploid costs $65.
Sometimes nurseries sell both versions (TET and DIP) of the same variety. You most likely will not notice any special external differences between different versions of the same variety. Therefore, there is no point in overpaying.
Now let's figure out what is the fundamental difference between tetraploids and diploids.
TET flowers are much larger. They have a more intense color. The texture of the petals is denser. The plants themselves are more powerful. The peduncles are stronger and do not collapse under the weight of the flowers, which is important for huge spiders. However, DIPs also have a number of advantages. They have more refined flower shapes, and they set seeds much easier.
In fact, it is not so important for a daylily lover to know which daylily, DIP or TET, grows in his garden. However, this is very important information for those who want to try themselves as a hybridizer. Only varieties with the same set of chromosomes (same ploidy) can be crossed with each other, i.e. TET pollinates only TET, and DIP only pollinates DIP. Now, knowing all these subtleties, you can easily make the right choice.
Types of vegetation
There are three main types of daylily vegetation:
- sleeping (dormant)- in the fall, the leaves of such daylilies wither and die. In winter, the plant sleeps until spring. In spring, when the temperature rises, daylily begins to grow.
- evergreen- in warm regions remain green throughout the year. In cold winter conditions, the tops of the leaves freeze. During the thaw period they wake up and can begin to grow. In the absence of snow, subsequent frosts can destroy the awakened buds. But it's not all that scary. Usually in the spring, new, replacement buds appear on the root collar, and the daylily successfully grows and even blooms. True, there are also unpleasant situations when the root collar completely rots. Fortunately, this happens quite rarely.
- semi-evergreen- daylilies of this group occupy an intermediate position. They adapt well to the climate. In cold climates, the foliage partially dies off during the winter, leaving the tips of the leaves, but growth does not slow down completely. In warm climates, these daylilies will behave like evergreens.
To obtain a more complete picture of the behavior of daylilies in a given climate, American scientists identified three more intermediate types, which are not included in the official classification:
- Sleeping soundly (Hard Dormant)- lose foliage very early, after the first frost. In winter they sleep soundly. They begin to grow back very late. These varieties definitely need a period of rest. Otherwise, they will not be able to prepare for the flowering season - they weaken and stop blooming.
- semi-dormant- fall asleep very late at the beginning of winter, after a long period of cold weather. In winter they sleep. In spring, their foliage begins to grow very early.
- soft evergreens or soft evergreens (Soft Evergreens) - V In our climate, the leaves freeze completely below the soil level. All growth buds freeze. New replacement kidneys do not wake up. The daylily is dying.
It is sometimes difficult for a novice gardener to understand all these subtleties. In addition, the type of vegetation is not a reliable indicator of daylily frost resistance. In this situation, it is better to rely on the experience of domestic collectors who adapt new varieties of daylilies in their gardens and will always give truthful information about how this or that variety winters in the conditions of the Moscow region.
Flowering time, remnant
- EE - very early (early June)
- E - early (mid-June)
- EM - mid-early (late June - mid-July)
- M - medium (mid-July - early August - peak flowering)
- ML - mid-late (mid-August)
- L - late (end of August)
- VL are very late bloomers that bloom in mid-September. In the conditions of the Moscow region, with the onset of early cold autumn, these varieties do not have time to bloom.
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Almost all modern tetraploids are remontant. This means that the hybrid is genetically predisposed to re-bloom under favorable conditions. This is one of the important characteristics of the variety. After the main flowering and a short period of rest (usually 2-3 weeks) The daylily again throws out a flower arrow. However, re-blooming in the Moscow region can only be counted on in early spring, hot summer and very warm autumn. Repeated flowering is also influenced by factors such as planting location (sun, shade), soil nutrition, amount of precipitation, amount of sunlight, seed setting, etc. There are very few varieties that consistently produce repeat flowering in the Moscow region. However, there are varieties with such characteristics as "Instant rebloom" (instant re-blooming). This means that new flower stalks grow immediately, following the first ones, nonstop. Sometimes 2-3 peduncles grow from one fan. Such varieties are likely to have time to re-bloom in the Moscow region. The photo shows an example of instant re-blooming.
Flowering type
As you know, a daylily flower lives only one day, but the opening of the flower can occur at different times of the day. Therefore, three types of flowering were distinguished:
- day type of flowering (Diurnal)- the flower opens in the morning and fades by the evening of the same day.
- night type of flowering (Nocturnal)- the flower opens in the afternoon or evening, remains open all night, and fades the next morning or afternoon.
- long-flowering (Extendedflowering) - extended type of flowering, when the flower remains open for at least 16 hours, regardless of the time of day. At the same time, such flowers can open both during the day and at night. Today there are few such varieties. Breeders are working in this direction, working mainly with night-opening varieties. They try to ensure that the flower remains open throughout the next day.
Daylily breeders, when describing varieties whose flowers are fully open early in the morning, use the term Early Morning Opener (EMO). This is a very valuable quality of the variety. Such varieties, even with heavily corrugated petals, open well after cool nights. Nocturnal night daylilies should not be confused with EMO varieties. Night varieties open the night before and stay open all night.
Smell
Many flowers have a scent. And here the daylilies did not let us down. The flowers of some of them are odorless. Many have a slight odor. But there are also those that can fill the garden with a charming aroma.
All varieties of daylilies are divided into:
- aromatic (Fragrant)
- very fragrant (Very Fragrant)
- odorless.
Flower size
Daylily cultivars have a wide range of flower sizes. Three groups are identified:
- miniature- flower diameter is less than 3 inches in diameter (up to 7.5 cm). The height of the peduncles can be different - low, medium or high. The Donn Fischer Memorial Award (DFM) is awarded annually.
- small-flowered (Small)- flower diameter from 3 inches to 4.5 inches (7.5 to 11.5 cm). The height of the peduncles can also vary. The Annie T. Giles Award (ATG) is awarded annually.
- large-flowered (Large)- flower diameter from 4.5 inches (from 11.5 cm).
- Another group of daylilies has been allocated for judging at AHS shows Extra Large- for varieties registered with a flower size of 7 inches or more (17.8 cm), but which are not registered in the spiders and UFo categories. Since 2005, the “Extra Large Diameter Award (ELDA)” has been awarded in this category.
Peduncle height, peduncle branching
Flower growers love daylilies not only for their unpretentiousness. Another undeniable advantage when using daylilies in garden design is the different height of the flower stalks. Here you can find real dwarfs for a rock garden or alpine slide, as well as majestic giants for the background of a flower garden. Daylilies are divided into four groups according to the height of their peduncles:
- dwarfs (Dware)- height of peduncles up to 12 inches (30 cm)
- low- peduncle height from 12 to 24 inches (30-60 cm)
- medium-sized (Medium)- peduncle height from 24 to 36 inches (60-90 cm)
- high (Tall)- peduncle height 36 inches (90 cm) and above.
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Currently, just over 40 varieties are registered with a height of 68 inches (173 cm). Among them are varieties with a height of more than 74 inches (188 cm). These varieties of daylilies look great in solitary plantings on the lawn.
The relationship between the height of the peduncle and the size of the flower can be very different. There may be large flowers on a low peduncle, and small flowers on a high one.
When registering daylily varieties, the branching of peduncles must be indicated - the number of lateral branches, each of which contains a group of buds. Also at the top of the peduncle there may be a branching in the form of the Latin letter V. The higher the branching of the peduncles, the better.
On well-branched peduncles, several flowers can open simultaneously, and they will not interfere with each other. In such daylilies, the total number of buds on one peduncle can reach 30-50, so flowering will be abundant and long. For example, the variety Heavenly Angel Ice (Gossard, 2004) has 5-position branching of peduncles and up to 30 buds on each. By the way, in 2013 this variety received the highest award in the “world of daylilies” - the Stout Silver Medal.
Flower color
All kinds of shades and color combinations make daylily very attractive for our climate, where there is such a lack of bright colors. Today there are no daylilies of only pure white and pure blue colors, although American breeders are quite successfully moving in this direction. Almost white varieties are becoming whiter every year, and there are already plenty of varieties with blue and blue eyes. They appear especially clearly in cool and cloudy weather.
Primary colors of daylilies:
- yellow- all shades from pale lemon, through bright yellow and gold to orange.
- red (Red) - various shades of scarlet, carmine, tomato red, dark burgundy, wine red and black-red.
- pink (Pink) - from pale pink through deep pink to rose-red.
- violet (Purple) - from pale lavender and lilac to dark grape or purple.
- melon or creamy pink (MelonorCream- Pinkdotfrom) - from pale cream shades to dark melon. Browns, apricots and peach colors are considered variations of pink plus yellow. White daylilies can come in shades of yellow, pink, lavender or melon.
The color of a daylily flower can be:
- single color / plain (Self)- petals and sepals are the same color, but the stamens and throat may be a different color.
- multicolor / polychrome (Polychrome)- a mixture of three or more colors, for example, yellow, melon, pink and lavender, without a clear rim above the throat. The stamens and throat may be a different color.
- two-color (Bicolor)- inner and outer petals of different colors (dark top, light bottom). And reverse bicolor.
- two-ton (Bitone)- outer and inner petals of different shades of the same base color (top - darker shade, bottom - lighter). And Reverse Bitone.
The petals of many modern hybrids shine and sparkle in the sun. This effect is called "sputtering". Distinguish diamond dusting (Diamond Dusting), gold dusting (Gold Dusting), and silver dusting (Silver Dusting).
Flower shape
In terms of diversity of flower shapes, daylilies are unlikely to have equals among other ornamental crops in our climate zone. Based on the structure of the daylily flower, for the purposes of registration and exhibitions, the following groups are officially distinguished: simple (Single), double (DOUBLE), arachnid (SPIDER), unusually shaped (UFo), polymers (POLYMEROUS) and multiform (MULTIFORM).
1 group -Simple single flower (Single).
It has three petals, three sepals, six stamens and one pistil. In recent years, due to abnormally hot weather, some daylilies are producing small number of flowers with more petals than usual. But this is just a manifestation of the tendency for typical daylilies to have many petals.
The shape of a simple flower can be:
- round (Circular). When looking at the flower from the front, it appears round. The segments are short, wide and usually overlap, giving the appearance of a circle.
- flat When viewed in profile, the flowers appear completely flat, like a saucer, except for the concave throat.
- informal (Informal). The flower segments do not have a specific shape. The arrangement of segments may be irregular, with segments widely spaced or hanging loosely.
- Recurved. The flower segments are directed forward, and the tips are curved back or tucked.
- star-shaped/star-shaped (Star). The flower segments are long and straight. There is space between the segments and the shape of the flower is like a star.
- triangular. The flower segments form a triangle. The petals are directed forward, the tips of the sepals are curved back. The inner segments of the flower form a triangle.
- tubular / ruper / lily (Trumpet). When viewed in profile, the flower's shape resembles that of a tubular lily. The segments rise upward from the throat with a slight curve.
Group 2 - Terry flower (Double).
Doubleness is a significant increase in the number of petals in a flower. Most often this occurs due to the degeneration of stamens into petals.
There are two types of terry:
- Peony Type Double - when the stamens degenerate into additional petals (petaloids).
- flower V flower (Hose-in-hose double) . Typically, a daylily flower consists of two levels of petals. This type of doubleness suggests that the flower consists of more than two levels of petals.
Among the terry varieties there are miniature, small-flowered and large-flowered varieties.
When registering, the hybridizer indicates the percentage of terry. If a variety is registered as 80% double, it means that 8 out of 10 flowers will be double. However, in our climate, for some varieties the declared percentage of terry can vary significantly. This is influenced by cool weather, the age of the bush and other factors. Within this group, the Ida Munson Award (IM) is awarded annually.
Group 3 Unusual Form - UFO).
This group includes daylilies with an unusual and exotic flower shape. To be classified in this class, it is enough for a variety to have three petals of an unusual shape. The Lambert/Webster Award (LWA) is awarded annually. When registering varieties of unusual shape, the type of flower must be indicated. Based on the shape of the petals and sepals, three types of flowers are distinguished:
1 type - C rispate (curly, kinky, curled, crispy) - a fairly large group in terms of assortment. It is divided into three subtypes (when registering a variety, the subtype is not always indicated):
- pinched crispate - pinched / squeezed / clamped. The petals are pinched at the tips. Variety: Coit Tower (P.Stamile - G. Pierce, 2010)
- twisted crispate - twisted . ALL petals are twisted along their length like a spiral, corkscrew, skewer. The largest subgroup. Variety Apache Beacon (N. Roberts, 2005)
- quilled crispate - tubular/rolled. As a rule, the outer petals are rolled along their entire length into a tube. Quite a rare form. Variety Dooty Owl (Roberts, 2006)
Type 2 - C ascade (cascade, twisted) - narrow cascading petals have a pronounced twist, reminiscent of wood shavings. Most varieties of this group are characterized by large and sometimes simply gigantic flowers, tall peduncles and bright tropical colors. Variety: Purple Tarantula (Gossard, 2011)
Type 3 - S patulate (spatulate/spatulate/spatula) - narrow internal petals widen significantly at the ends. The tip of the petals is wide and rounded, resembling a spatula. This group is small. Variety: Ruby Spider (Stamile, 1991).
Quite often there are varieties of daylilies that combine various combinations of petal and sepal shapes - UFo Crispate-Cascade-Spatulate. Variety Heavenly Curls (Gossard, 2000)
4 group- Spider.
This group of daylilies includes varieties with narrow, long petals that do not overlap each other when emerging from the neck. The ratio of the length of the petal to its width should be 4:1 or higher. Until 2003 there was a division into Spider Variant with a ratio of petal length to its width from 4:1 to 4.99:1 and actually spiders with a ratio of 5:1 and higher. They are called "classic spider". Currently, all narrow-petalled cultivars with a petal length-to-width ratio of 4:1 or more form a single group, Spiders. To measure, select the longest of the blossomed petals and straighten it in length and width. The narrower the width of the petal, the higher the spider is rated. The Harris Olson Spider Award (HOSA) is awarded annually.
Quite often the name of varieties contains the word spider, but this does not mean that this variety belongs to the spider group. For example, the popular variety "Ruby Spider" belongs to the UFo group.
5 group- Polymers/Polymerous
Multi-petalled varieties (not to be confused with terry ones). In 1995, when this group was introduced into the AHS classification, it was called "polytepals". This term was then recognized as botanically incorrect, and in 2008 this group of daylilies became known as Polymerous.
A typical daylily flower has three sepals, three petals, six stamens and one pistil with three chambers. A polymer such as 4x4 will have 4 sepals, 4 petals, 8 stamens and 1 pistil with four chambers.
It is believed that if a variety exhibits these characteristics in at least 50% of flowering, then such a daylily is a true polymer. When registering polymers, the hybridizer indicates the percentage of multilobes. It may vary depending on climatic conditions.
The difference between polymers and terry varieties:
- in polymers, additional petals and additional sepals are evenly distributed in the corresponding layer. In double varieties, additional petals are formed due to the degeneration of the stamens, or additional petals are located between the normal petals.
- polymers always have additional stamens, and their number corresponds to the total number of petals and sepals. In addition, the number of chambers in the pestle increases proportionally.
The multi-petal gene is extremely dominant.
6 group- Multiforms.
Undoubtedly, this group is the most exotic and exclusive. More recently, classifiers had to add a new group for varieties that do not fit into any of the previous groups, since they combine the characteristics of two or more common groups at once. For example:
- terry spiders,
- terry unusual shape (UFo),
- polymer spider,
- polymer UFo,
- UFo or spiders, both terry and polymer.
There is no judging for this group at exhibitions.
The group is small. Over the past 15 years, only 87 varieties of terry unusual shapes (UFo) and 5 terry spiders have been registered. Another 100% terry spider Ashee Dashee was registered by Diana Taylor in 2006 in the group of terry varieties.
A pioneer on this path was Jan Joiner. Having crossed her seedlings, in 1999 she registered the Fluttering Beauty variety, which is both 98% double and UFo Crispate. Until now, this variety is the No. 1 parent for producing terry UFo.
When registering multiforms, the hybridizer indicates the percentage of terry and multi-petalled.
In the photograph of the James Gossard variety from the last years of introduction:
- Dr Doom(2013) terry spider UFo cascade
- PowerpuffGirls(2013) terry UFo cascade
- DrOctopus(2014) - terry spider UFo cascade
I hope that now it will be easier for you to navigate such a diverse world of daylilies.
Classification of daylilies according to the number of sets of chromosomes in the cell nucleus. There are two main types of daylilies:
1. Diploids (DIP)
2. Tetraploids (TET)
Ploidy is a characteristic of daylilies based on the number of sets of chromosomes found in the cell nucleus. The main types of modern daylilies are diploids and tetraploids.
1. Diploids (DIP)
By their natural origin, most species of daylilies and old varieties of daylilies are diploid. Diploids have a double set of chromosomes. Their number in the cell nuclei is 22. Diploid daylilies have delicate, elegant shapes. Most spiders and terry forms are diploids. Pure pink daylilies are mostly diploids. Many diploid varieties have been converted to tetraploid varieties.
2. Tetraploids (TET)
Tetraploid daylilies have four sets of chromosomes. Their number in tetraploids is 44. There are also triploid daylilies that have a triple set of chromosomes.
The first tetraploid daylilies were obtained in the late 40s - the last century, which was a breakthrough in daylily breeding. Tetraploids were obtained artificially, as a result of the action of a mutagen on diploid plants. By treating plants with a naturally occurring chemical, colchicine, polyploidy was provoked (an increase in the number of chromosomes in the cell nucleus during cell division). As a result, plants with a double set of chromosomes were obtained.
Tetraploid daylilies have numerous varieties with larger, more intensely colored flowers and a more rounded shape. Tetraploid plants themselves are more powerful; their flower stalks have strong, thick stems that allow them to hold large massive flowers. In addition, they are hardier in unfavorable conditions and more resistant to disease. The shape of the bush itself is dense, structural, does not fall apart even in heavy rain and wind, with powerful elastic leaves. Tetraploids are ideal for creating landscape compositions.
Some varieties of daylilies exist in two varieties: diploid and tetraploid. Diploids and tetraploids have their own advantages and disadvantages, which manifest themselves when creating new varieties. But this is more interesting to specialists involved in hybridization. Diploids, as a rule, only cross with diploids, tetraploids with tetraploids. Most gardeners prefer modern tetraploid versions with improved characteristics. And if you don't intend to hybridize, don't give a damn about which version of daylily you buy.
2. Classification of daylilies by type of vegetation
Classification of daylilies according to the type of their foliage and behavior in winter. There are three main types:
1. Dormant daylilies (Dormant or DOR for short)
In this group of daylilies, the foliage completely dies off for the winter with the onset of the first frost, and the plant goes into a dormant period until spring. This group of daylilies is ideal for growing in our climate.
Dormant daylilies can be divided into three subgroups:
1. Hard Dormant daylilies
With the fall in temperature in autumn, their foliage turns yellow, and with the onset of the first frosts it quickly dies. Moreover, not only the above-ground part of the daylily dies, but also the underground part. When the daily temperature drops, the growth point stops growing until spring and begins to grow very late. Spring growth of daylilies begins later than all other groups, only when temperatures rise and become warm enough to support the growing season.
This type of daylilies in our climate will remain dormant all winter, regardless of thaws and rising temperatures. Daylilies of this type are not suitable for growing in hot climates. They will not have enough rest period for a normal growing season, they will not be able to fully prepare for the next season, they will gradually stop blooming and die. This type of daylilies is ideal for our climate.
2. Sleeping daylilies (Dormant)
To stop the growing season, a really strong drop in temperature is required. Both the aboveground and underground parts of the plant die. In spring, dormant daylilies start growing late.
This type of daylily will also remain dormant all winter in our climate. Daylilies of this type are also not suitable for growing in warm climates. This type of daylily is well suited to our climate.
3. Semi-dormant daylilies
Daylilies of this group are the last to fall asleep, at the end of autumn - beginning of winter, after a long cold spell. They require real frosts. The foliage dies only to the level of the ground surface. The lower part with the growing point does not die off completely. And during winter thaws or warm winters it can begin to grow. In spring, daylilies of this group are the very first to wake up from sleep; their foliage grows very early. Daylilies of this group are suitable for growing in countries with warm winters. Their characteristics are similar to semi-evergreen daylilies. This type of daylilies can be grown in our climate.
2. Evergreen daylilies (Evergreen - EV)
Daylilies of this type have an almost continuous growing season only in warm climates (southern states of America, Australia, and other warm countries). The dormant period of evergreen daylilies lasts 2-3 weeks, when their active growth slows down slightly. Then growth and flowering begin again.
In our climate zone, which has large temperature differences in winter, evergreen daylilies behave differently. Therefore, evergreen daylilies can be divided into two subgroups according to their behavior in cold climates:
1. Evergreen daylilies
In our climate zone, the foliage of evergreen daylilies is frozen, the aboveground part dies off, but 3-5 cm of the stem still remains even under the snow. At the first thaw, the plant begins to grow. The frequency of thawing and freezing in winter has a detrimental effect on the growth bud and the plant may die. Daylilies of this group definitely require winter mulching and hilling. In late autumn, each bush is covered with 15-20 cm of pre-prepared dry compost or garden soil. In early spring, the mulch is raked away from the bush so that the plant can freely begin to grow. In the spring, after the snow thaws, a mushy mass of old, rotted leaves is formed, which rots and infects the healthy tissues of the plant’s root collar. Therefore, it is very important to remove the affected tissue in a timely manner. Daylilies of this group are the least suitable for growing in our climate. They have the highest probability of death even among experienced gardeners. They are not recommended for beginning daylily lovers. If you want to grow evergreen daylilies, you need to choose early-blooming varieties that will have time to lay flower buds. There is sufficient long-term experience in growing evergreen early-flowering varieties in regions with harsh winters, subject to proper agricultural practices. Late-blooming evergreen daylilies will not bloom in our climate zone, since they will not have time to lay flower buds.
2. Soft evergreen daylilies
Daylilies of this group have the lowest winter hardiness. In our climate zone, daylilies of this group freeze not only the above-ground part to the snow level, but also all parts located underground. In this case, the growing point dies and such a plant does not recover in the spring. Daylilies of this group are not suitable for growing in our climate; they are recommended to be grown only in regions with warm winters, where there is no freezing of the soil.
3. Semievergreen daylilies (SEV)
Semi-evergreen daylilies have intermediate foliage behavior during the winter. Daylilies of this group are flexible and can adapt to conditions of both hot and cold climates.
In warm regions, the foliage partially dies off after the onset of cold weather, about 10 cm of green young leaves remain above the soil surface and after a short period of dormancy begin to grow again.
In cold climates, the foliage of semi-evergreen daylilies will practically die off, but they cannot completely slow down their growth, like dormant ones. Therefore, for daylilies of this group it is also not so much low temperatures that are dangerous, but winter thaws. In snowy winters, these daylilies overwinter well in our climate. Daylilies of this group also need to be protected from winter temperature changes by mulching for the winter. Semi-evergreen daylilies are well suited to growing in our climate.
3. Classification by flowering time
Different varieties of daylilies bloom from early spring to late autumn. Flowering times also depend on the planting location. Daylilies planted in partial shade bloom 2 weeks later, but their flowers do not fade in the sun. This is primarily important for dark varieties and varieties with intense bright colors (red and orange). By selecting varieties of different flowering periods, you can achieve continuous flowering throughout the season.
Among early and mid-flowering daylilies there are many re-flowering remontant varieties (Rebloom or abbreviated as Re). Remontant varieties of daylilies have the feature of repeat flowering. After the main flowering, the daylily has a short dormant period, and then re-blooms closer to autumn. There are varieties that bloom continuously for several months.
According to the timing of flowering, daylily varieties according to the American classification are divided into 7 groups:
1. Very early daylilies (Extra Early or abbreviated as EE)
Daylilies of this group are the first to open the flowering season. In our climate zone it is the beginning of June. There are very few such varieties.
2. Early daylilies (Early - E)
Daylilies of this group begin flowering in mid-June.
3. Early - middle daylilies (Early Midseason - EM)
Flowering time is from late June to mid-July.
4. Medium daylilies (Midseason - M)
The peak flowering period for daylilies in the garden is July. Most varieties bloom during these times.
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5. Late Midseason - LM
The beginning of flowering is mid-August - early September, occurring after the mass peak of flowering.
6. Late daylilies (Late - L)
These varieties bloom when most daylilies have already bloomed - late August. Many varieties of this group do not have time to bloom before frost and prepare for winter. Evergreen and semi-evergreen late-flowering varieties are not suitable for our climate. They will not have time to lay flower buds and will never bloom.
7. Very late daylilies (Very Late - VL)
Daylilies of this group do not bloom in our climate.
4. Classification according to flower opening characteristics
This classification includes the characteristics of flowering varieties: the time of day when the daylily opens its buds, and how many hours the flower lasts before withering.
The short life of the flower is compensated by the abundant flowering of the bush for a long time. One flower gives way to another.
1. Daytime (Diurnal or DIU for short):
2. Night (Nocturnal or NOC for short):
1. Day type (Diurnal or DIU for short)
Daylilies of this type open their buds early in the morning. The flower lasts all day until the evening. Most daylilies are of this type.
2. Night type (Nocturnal or NOC for short)
The flower opens towards the end of the day in the evening or at night, remaining open all night, and fades the next morning or afternoon.
3. Long-flowering (Extended - EXT)
Daylilies have another characteristic that shows the peculiarity of flower opening, which can be either diurnal or nocturnal. This is the Flower Opening Duration (Extended - EXT). This characteristic shows how long the flower remains open and does not fade. This characteristic is assigned to varieties whose flowers remain open for at least 16 hours, regardless of what type (day or night) they belong to. Some varieties open in the evening and can bloom for almost a day. But there are varieties in which the flowers fade almost immediately after blooming. There is daytime long flowering and night long flowering.
5. Classification according to the height of peduncles
A peduncle is a leafless stem bearing a flower in its upper part. Most of the flower stalks have a branch at the end, consisting of two or three branches, each of which bears its own flower bud. Different varieties of daylilies have different flower stem heights. Based on the height of their flower stalks, daylilies are divided into 3 groups:
1. Low daylilies- peduncle height 15-60 cm
2. Medium daylilies - peduncle height 60-90 cm
3. Tall daylilies - peduncle height - above 90 cm
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6. Classification by flower size
This classification is based on the size of the daylily flower. There is no direct relationship between the size of the flower and the height of the peduncle or daylily bush. Daylilies with large flowers can be stunted, and miniature daylilies can also rise on tall peduncles high above the foliage.
1. Miniature - flower diameter up to 7.5 cm
2. Small - diameter from 7.5 to 11.5 cm
3. Large-flowered (Large) - from 11.5 cm and more
7. Classification by flower type
Based on flower shape, daylilies can be divided into six groups:
1. Single
6. Multiforms
1. Single
The flowers have six petals: three internal and three external, six stamens and one pistil.
This is the most numerous and popular group of daylilies, which is distinguished by great diversity.
2. Terry (Double or DBL for short)
Terry daylilies differ from simple-shaped daylilies by the presence of additional perianth petals. Moreover, the double form can be found in large-flowered daylilies, small and miniature daylilies, and spiders.
Terry daylilies are of two types:
1. “Flower in a flower”
2. Peony shape
1. “Flower in a flower”
Daylilies of this type, along with the main six petals, have an additional row of petals, and look like a “flower within a flower.”
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2. Peony shape
This type of double daylilies resembles the shape of double peonies, where the petals inside the flower are so tightly packed that it gives the impression of a peony flower. These additional petals are obtained due to modification of the stamens and are called petaloids.
The fullness of daylilies is not a constant value. It may not appear on individual flowers, especially at the beginning of the flowering season. Newly planted plants may not show their double qualities in the first years. Climatic and weather conditions can also affect terry.
3. Spiders or spiders (Spider)
Spiders are daylilies with narrow, long, curved petals. The length of the petals of such daylilies is much greater than their width. Measurements are taken at the largest petal in a flat, straightened state in length and width. The ratio of the length of the petal to its width in spiders is at least 4:1. Recently, the fashion for spiders has become established. Spiders are rapidly gaining popularity among daylily lovers, outstripping all other forms for their grace and originality.
4. Unusual Form (UFO)
The term UFO (Unusual Form) refers to the classification of daylilies according to their exceptional and unusual shape. The ratio of the length of the petals to their width does not allow them to be classified as spiders.
There are three types of daylilies of unusual shape (Unusual Form):
1. Twisted (Crispate)
2. Cascade
3. Spatulate
1. Twisted (Crispate)
There are three varieties of twisted type of daylilies of unusual shape:
1. Pinched
These daylilies have pinched petal tips or have a pointed fold effect.
2. Twisted
The petals resemble a corkscrew shape or are twisted at the ends like a pinwheel.
3. Quilled
At the base, the petals curl lengthwise into a tube shape and end at the end with a flat part resembling a bird's feather.
2. Cascade
The narrow petals of such daylilies cascade down, resembling a waterfall, and at the ends they curl under themselves, looking like wood shavings. Each petal of such daylilies is an independent element, not united into a single whole with other petals, and is separated from neighboring petals, starting from the place of its attachment.
3. Spatulate
Daylilies of this type have narrow petals at their attachment points, flaring at the ends in the shape of a kitchen spatula.
Many varieties of daylilies with unusual shapes can bloom like typical representatives of their class, but can often combine more than one trait. As the flower opens, they change their shape or combination of shapes. Also, the inner and outer petals of the flower may have characteristics that belong to different types of daylilies with unusual shapes.
5. Polymer or polymers (Polymerous or abbreviated poly)
The term Polymeric or polymeric refers to daylilies that have a different number of flower segments than the normal number. Typically, daylilies have three inner and three outer petals in each flower whorl. Polymer daylilies have an increased number of segments. For example, 4x4 polymer daylilies (tetramers) have four inner and four outer petals. 5x5 polymer daylilies (pentamers) have five and five respectively. There are even 6x6 polymer daylilies with a petal count of 12. Polymer daylilies have additional petals evenly spaced in a whorl, unlike double daylilies, which have additional petals (petaloids) pointing up or lying on top of the main row of petals. This type of daylily is also called polytepalous or polytepal. In recent years, this type of daylilies has also become very popular.
6. Multiforms
This term is used for daylilies, in which it is difficult to determine the exact belonging to a certain class. They can exhibit two or more forms (spiders, unusual shapes, polymers or terry). For example, this type of daylilies may include: spider of an unusual shape, terry polymer, or polymer of an unusual shape.
The term multiform is used when registering daylilies whose flowers have two or more forms. There are varieties of daylilies in which, during flowering, a spider form, an unusual form, a polymer form, or a terry form may appear on one plant.
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8. Classification by flower shape
Daylily flowers come in a wide variety of shapes. Below is a classification based on the flower shape of daylilies.
1. Circular
2. Flat
5. Star
6. Triangular
7. Trumpet
1. Circular
If you look at a blooming flower from above, the shape of the flower is round. Wide and short petals are pressed tightly against each other or overlap, creating the feeling of a single shape.
2. Flat
When viewed from the side, the flowers are completely flat except for the concave throat.
3. Indefinite form (Informal)
If you look at a daylily from above, it does not have a specific shape.
Flower segments may be unevenly distributed, widely spaced, or drooping.
4. With curved petals (Recurved)
Looking at the flower from the side, the flower segments appear convex, tucked in and folded under themselves. When the inner petals of daylilies are curled but the outer petals are not, this results in a triangular shape. If both the inner and outer petals are curved, the result is a round shape.
5. Star
The petals of such daylilies become elongated and pointed, and space appears between the petals. When we look at star-shaped daylilies from above, we can see that the flower resembles a three-pointed or six-pointed star.
6. Triangular
When viewing such daylilies from above, their shape resembles a triangle. The outer petals are usually curved back.
7. Trumpet
Looking at the flower from the side, it resembles a real lily. The petals are slightly convex and extend upward from the daylily's throat much more than a typical daylily.
9. Classification according to the branching of peduncles
This characteristic shows the number of branches in one peduncle. Different varieties can have either triple or quadruple branching. For temperate climates, varieties with a high degree of branching of peduncles are better suited. This guarantees long and abundant flowering.
10. Classification according to the number of buds on one peduncle
All branched peduncles end in buds. Their number varies for each variety. This is a characteristic of the variety based on the number of buds on one peduncle. The daylily flower is open for only one day. But, given that the bush has several stems, on which many flowers continuously open, in general, the daylily bush blooms for quite a long time. There are varieties in which the number of buds on one peduncle reaches up to 40.
11. Classification by smell
This classification is based on the degree of odor. There are varieties with a subtle aroma, while some varieties have a strong aroma.
1. With scent (Fragrant-Fr)
2. No fragrance (No fragrance - None)
3. With a strong odor (Very fragrant-VFr)
12. Classification of daylilies according to the duration of flowering of the entire bush
This characteristic shows the number of flowering cycles in a season.
1. Once blooming
2. Repeatedly flowering (remontant) (Rebloom-RE)
One of the important characteristics of the variety. Some varieties begin to bloom early and resume flowering after a short period of dormancy. Such varieties are called remontant. Modern tetraploid varieties are mostly re-flowering. But not all varieties described as remontant in warm climates will exhibit these characteristics in temperate climates. For daylilies to bloom again in central Russia, a warm, long summer is necessary.
13. Classification of daylilies by flower color
1. Basic Flower Color
The color range of modern daylilies is so diverse that it is impossible to give an accurate description of the color of the flower. In various sources there is a different classification based on this criterion. When describing the basic color of the flower itself, the American Hemerocallis Society (AHS) identifies only 5 groups of primary colors when registering daylilies:
1. Yellow
2. Reds
3. Pink
4. Purple
5. Melon or Creamy Pink
When describing varieties by hybridizers, to accurately clarify the color, as a rule, they use a detailed classification based on flower color:
1. Red
2. Pink
3. Purple
6. Orange
7. Light (Almost white) (Near white)
8. Yellow (Gold, Yellow)
9. Pastel
11. Two-color (Bicolor)
1. Red
The red group includes scarlet, carmine, tomato-red daylilies, burgundy, wine-red, crimson. Tetraploid pure red scarlet daylilies have appeared recently. For a long time it was not possible to obtain a pure red color without an admixture of bluish tint. In recent years, hybridization of pure red daylilies has been quite successful.
2. Pink
Pink daylilies include daylilies close to pink in color and its shades: pale pink, deep pink, reddish pink. In tetraploid daylilies, pure pink color is quite rare. But among diploid varieties, flowers with a pure pink color are often found.
3. Purple
Purple colors include: purple, crimson, ruby, cherry, burgundy (the colors of Burgundy wine).
4. Lilac (Violet) (Violet)
Lilac daylilies include: lavender, grape, violet.
5. Lavender (Bluish, Lilac) (Lavender)
This group includes lavender, bluish, lilac varieties.
6. Orange
This group includes all shades of orange: from light to bright orange.
7. White (Light) (Near white)
There are no completely white daylilies. White daylilies include all light varieties that have different shades: cream, peach, apricot, melon, pinkish, soft lavender.
Pastel daylily
Pastel daylily
10. Very dark (Almost black) (Dark)
Daylilies do not have a pure black color. But the color of daylilies in this group is so dark that in cloudy weather they appear completely black in the garden, although in bright sun they have shades of burgundy, purple and violet.
2. Throat Color
The central area of a daylily flower is called the throat. Most daylilies have a throat color that differs from the main color of the flower. The throat color usually has shades of green, yellow, gold, orange, apricot, and melon.
3. Coloring of stamens (Stamen Color)
The color of the stamens may differ from the main color of the flower and throat. The stamens may not differ in color from the color of the petals. Typically their color ranges from light yellow to greenish. The anthers (at the tips of the stamens) are usually darker in color, sometimes black.
14. Classification according to the color characteristics of the color of the petals
1. Plain (Self)
2. Mixed color (Blend)
4. Bitone
5. Two-color (Bicolor)
8. Midline (Midrib)
10. The location of one color relative to another on the petals (Dusted, Dotted, Overlay, Wash, Speckled, Stippled, Flecked, Patterned, Butterfly, Kaleidoscope)
1. Self-colored daylilies
The outer and inner petals of solid daylilies are a shade of the same color. The color of the stamens and throat may vary.
2. Mixed color (Blend)
Mixed-color daylilies have two-tone coloring on the inner and outer petals. For example, light and dark pink tones smoothly transition into each other.
3. Multicolor (Polychrome)
In multicolored (polychrome) daylilies, many tones are mixed when coloring the petals. Daylilies change from one color to another. Such daylilies have at least three different tones in the color of the petals. For example, melon, pink, lavender and yellow.
4. Bitone
In two-tone varieties, the color of the inner and outer petals is the same, but different in shade and intensity. The inner petals of two-tone daylilies are darker than the outer petals. For example, the inner petals are intense pink, the outer petals are soft pink. In reverse - two-tone (reverse) varieties, on the contrary, the inner petals are lighter than the outer ones.
5. Two-color (Bicolor)
Two-color daylilies have absolutely different colors of inner and outer petals. The inner petals of two-color daylilies have a more saturated color tone. Reverse bicolor daylilies have more saturated outer petals.
6. Daylily Eye Zone (Eyezone)
A characteristic feature of many daylilies is the presence of the so-called eye zone - when around its throat there is an area in the form of a circle, different in color from the main color of the petals themselves. The pattern of the eye zone can have varieties:
1. Eye
2. Band
3. Halo
4. Watermark
1. Eye
The Eye is the circular dark area around the throat. The eye covers all the petals. There are modern varieties where the eye area encroaches so much on the petals that it is impossible to distinguish where the eye ends and the color of the petal itself begins. Now a new direction has appeared in hybridization: daylilies with kaleidoscopic (rainbow) eyes (Kaleidoscopic eyes). It is impossible to accurately describe eye color. It shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow.
2. Band
Band - similar to an eye, but the circular dark area is located only on the inner petals.
3. Halo
Halo - similar to a hoop, but only the pattern appears on both the outer and inner petals. The drawing itself is light, barely visible.
4. Watermark
Watermark is a wide area in the eye area of a barely discernible tone.
7. Edge or Picoteed
Each daylily flower has a border (Edge) or picotee (Picotee) of a contrasting color along the edge of the petals.
1. Edge
2. Picotee
1. Edge
Edge is the outer boundary of the inner and outer petals, i.e. border of petals. The color of the border may match or differ from the color of the daylily's eye. The border can be so thin that it can resemble a thin wire, and also very wide (about 1 cm). The border can be bizarrely shaped in the form of hooks, tentacles, owl ears, horns, shark teeth, bubbles, knobs, fringe, angel wings, or braids.
2. Picotee
Picotee is a special type of border, when the border differs in color from the main color of the flower. The picote may have a lighter or darker edge, but must be of a contrasting color. For example, a red border on a light daylily. But the distinctive feature of picote is precisely the contrast, in contrast to the border, which in tone can match the main color of the petals. Picote can be bizarrely shaped like hooks, owl ears, horns, teeth, bubbles, fringe or braiding. Every picote can be said to be a border, but not every border can be called a picote.
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8. Midline (Midrib)
The midline is a stripe that runs along the midrib along the entire daylily petal. It can be either very light in color or close in tone to the main color of the petals. The middle line can be flush with the surface of the petals, be convex or concave, creating a relief in-depth line cutting along the axis of the daylily petals.
9. Coloring the tips of the petals (Tipped)
The tips of the petals, and usually the tips of the inner petals, are painted in a different, most often contrasting color, different from the main color of the petals. In some daylilies, this color can occupy up to a third of the entire petal.
10. The arrangement of one color relative to another on the petals (Dusted, Dotted, Overlay, Wash, Speckled, Stippled, Streaking, Spotted, Flecked, Patterned, Butterfly, Kaleidoscope)
On the surface of the petals, another color may appear on top of the main, base color. This new color can transition into the main color in completely different ways.
This group combines various terms.
Dusted- when a new color appears in the form of an unclear coating on the main color
Dotted- this is when almost the entire surface of the daylily petals has dots of a different color
Overlay- a superposition of two colors when one color overlaps another
Wash- this term is used when another color appears unevenly distributed on top of the main base color of the petals. It's as if one color is being blurred by another.
Patterned- daylilies with an unusual pattern, having a pattern
11. Diamond Dusting
Diamond coating is the coating of flower petals in the form of tiny crystals that reflect light and sparkle in the sun. This gives the flowers a shiny and sparkling appearance, as if gold, silver or diamond dust had been applied to the petals.
Daylilies are flowers of joy, flowers of good mood. There is even a belief: in order for all sorrows to be forgotten, all sorrows to go away, you just need to touch a daylily. These flowers decorate the garden at the same time as lilies, which they are very similar to.
However, daylilies are not bulbous, but rhizomatous plants. And they are so undemanding to care that the Germans even called them the flowers of intelligent lazy people.
Krasodnev- this is the Russian name for daylily. It contains another difference from lilies. The daylily flower lives only one day, but this does not reduce the attractiveness of the plant, because the tall flower arrows bear dozens of beautiful glasses, bowls or bells, pleasing the eye with the sophistication of their shape and richness of color.
The first mentions of daylilies
The very first mentions of daylilies are found in Confucius, who lived in the 6th-5th centuries BC. in China. However, in those ancient times, these plants were not grown to admire. In Chinese cuisine, daylily, fresh and dried, was an integral part of the diet.Young shoots were placed in spring salads, and flowers and buds in summer salads. Dried flower buds were added to meat dishes as a seasoning. The roots and shoots with leaves were used for medicinal purposes. The Chinese also believed that daylily strengthens willpower, that its contemplation allows you to forget about worries and worries.
And although the first mentions of daylilies came from China, they were also known in neighboring countries - Korea, Mongolia, Japan. Until now, natural species of daylilies grow in the Russian Far East and Siberia, and are found in the foothills of the European Alps and on the adjacent plains. True, many scientists believe that these plants came to Europe from India, where they were brought from China.
The beauty of daylilies, their unpretentiousness, durability were noticed by Europeans, and they began to grow these wonderful plants in gardens and flower beds. American flower lovers did the same, bringing daylilies from Europe to the New World. The only thing that upset gardeners was the small selection of flower colors. They were either yellow or orange.
A new era for daylilies has begun with the breeding of the first hybrids by the American botanist Dr. A. B. Stout. He published the theoretical foundations of hybridization in his book “Daylilies,” published in 1934. And after 60 years, about 32 thousand hybrid varieties have already been registered! During this time, daylilies appeared with large flowers, which had wide petals, striking in their variety of colors.
All hybrids created before the 60s of the last century were diploids, since two sets of chromosomes were involved in their creation. However, breeders did not rest on this and continued to improve daylilies.
As a result, more more beautiful plants - tetraploids. Their birth occurred after the daylily was treated with an extract from the corms of Colchicum autumnalis, known to us as Colchicum. During selection, it was noticed that colchicine obtained from it affects the process of cell division. After treatment with this drug, instead of two sets of chromosomes necessary for division and reproduction, four began to appear in the nuclei.
This was a breakthrough in selection. A double set of chromosomes makes it possible to create fabulously beautiful varieties with a new three-color flower color and fringed, edged or corrugated edges of the petals.
Tetraploid daylilies grow faster, they bloom more abundantly, are brighter in color, the petals of their flowers are denser and wider, the plants are resistant to disease and many other advantages. That's why price of the newest tetraploid varieties in foreign catalogs reach up to 250 dollars.
However, breeders diploid varieties did not give up and bred daylilies that are not inferior to tetraploids either in the decorative qualities of the bush or in the color of the petals, and even surpass them in the size of the flowers.
Today, large companies in Germany, England, and France specialize in breeding the most beautiful American varieties. New varieties are being created in France, and they are working with daylilies in Australia and New Zealand.
Don't be tempted by pretty pictures, buying planting material of evergreen daylilies. Remember that in the middle zone you can only grow early-flowering varieties and only with shelter for the winter.
Unfortunately, in Russia interest in daylilies has just awakened and there are no domestic varieties yet. Our gardens and parks still mostly contain natural species, at best varieties selected from the 40s and 50s of the last century.
Only recently have diploid daylilies appeared on sale, but most Russian flower growers have still not seen living tetraploids, being content with pictures in catalogues.
However It is difficult to judge the value of a variety from a photograph. No matter how good it is, it does not reliably convey color, especially shades of tones, does not give an idea of diamond or gold dust, or the flickering of a flower in the sun, which connoisseurs of tetraploid daylily varieties talk about with such admiration.
