I have officially applied for my first daylily registration. Its proposed name is JOHN'S RESILIENCE in honor of my father.
A couple years ago I showed my father photos of seedlings from my first year of hybridizing and asked him which was his favorite. He did not realize I was planning to name and register the one he selected in his honor. I felt the need to do that sooner than later because I wasn't sure how much longer he was going to live.
It is amazing my father has lived as long as he has. Burdened with severe rheumatoid arthritis, he has had over 40 surgeries and many falls and sicknesses requiring hospitalization. Often we thought the end had arrived-- only to witness his incredible resilience pull him through once more. Nonetheless there seemed to be signs that could not continue much longer.
Here are some photos and stats for the one he selected:
Parentage: Rocket City x Vitamin C
Tetraploid, dormant, 36" height, 6" bloom, 4 branches, 23 buds
Gently ruffled orange petals with a reddish-orange eye, gold starburst throat, and gold midribs that fade to white.
The plant is vigorous and forms large clumps.
One of the first photos of it
Another photo of it
An indication of how it looks when faded at end of day
Photo of a split of it growing at my father's condo
I presented him with a plaque containing a photo of the bloom and the following dedication:
This daylily is named for my father, John
It is a vigorous and hardy plant able to thrive even under difficult growing conditions. This parallels the strength and resilience of my father who, despite the pain and difficulties presented by severe rheumatoid arthritis, has continually maintained a thriving spirit and strong faith.
Some daylilies fade poorly, but the bloom of "John's Resilience" will look good even at the end of a long day of scorching sun. In fact it may even look better-- the edges of the petals and the midribs become white to form a beautifully contrasting outline around the glowing orange of the petals. This too parallels the resilience of my father who, despite ever-increasing physical limitations, manages to live a long, full life filled with a rich and active fellowship with family and friends.
I am proud to present the daylily "John's Resilience" in honor of my father.
Unfortunately this past weekend he had a rapid decline, and finally passed away at 3am last night. I was on the "night watch" alone with him, quietly singing hymns to him when it happened. What a poignant, bittersweet experience. I am happy this daylily will serve as a memorial.
P.S. Please do not be offended if I fail to respond to replies. This is a hectic and difficult time...
