Dynamic changes of pectin epitopes and daylily tepals during flower opening and senescence of Hemerocallis citrina

•We studied development and senescence in daylily flowers over a 24 h period.•The loss of cell wall material and cohesion was associated with senescence.•Pectin-specific epitopes showed that the cell wall pectin had been remodeled.•Demethylesterification of the pectin was evident when the outer tepals opened.•The number of pectin side chains was greatly reduced during senescence.