Hemerocallis 'Duke of Durham'

Hemerocallis 'Duke of Durham'
Hemerocallis 'Duke of Durham'
Duke of Durham
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae
Subfamily: Hemerocallidoideae
Genus: Hemerocallis

Hemerocallis 'Duke of Durham' is a hybrid daylily introduced in 1977 by Dr. Robert Day Elliott, Jr.

At the time of its introduction, the color combination was unusual, and the flower won Dr. Elliott his first award from the National Hemerocallis Society. Today Duke of Durham can be found growing throughout the United States and Canada. The plant thrives in a wide range of temperature zones and continues to be used to breed healthy new daylily varieties.

Over time daylilies with rust to brown tones have fallen into disfavor, and this once-prized variety has accordingly lost prestige among wealthy hybridizers. Still, the plant's vigor has enabled it to spread throughout the continent with relative ease.