Hemerocallis Cosmopolitan - Daylily

The 'Cosmopolitan' Daylily is a compact variety. Deciduous, this summer perennial has a tuft of thin, long and arched leaves which are a bright green colour. From June to July, straight stems bear charming small round flowers with fringed dark pink edges, almost red, illuminated by bright yellow stamens. Its abundant and perpetual flowers, in addition to its size, make it especially suitable for planting in balcony pots or borders around a patio. Hardy and robust, plant this daylily in sunny or semi-shade in any type of soil, even clay or dry soil. 

The genus Hemerocallis belongs to the family of Hemerocallidaceae. They are perennial and hardy plants with deciduous or semi-evergreen foliage. 'Cosmopolitan', introduced in 1989 by Stamile-G., reaches 50 cm (20in) in all directions. The flowers are smaller than in other varieties, not exceeding 6 cm (2in) in diameter, and are quite open. Individually, they last no more than a day, but they continuously renew themselves between June and July. Daylilies have short rhizomes and fleshy roots. The stems are sturdy and make beautiful bouquets. The foliage is linear and semi-evergreen. Daylilies have short rhizomes and fleshy roots, tolerating dry soils, but they are more opulent and floriferous in damp, rich and deep soil.

Very easy to grow, these plants thrive in both shade and sun. Some of them can be a little invasive, so don't hesitate to divide the clumps every four or five years, preferably in autumn, after flowering. Daylilies are often called 'the perfect perennial plant', due to their vibrant colours, their ability to tolerate any type of environment, but also because of their lack of modesty, as they are beautifully exuberant and go well with other perennials. Plant them in generous clumps in the background of your flowerbeds. Summer bulbs can be planted alongside daylilies.  Daylilies will fit perfectly into a romantic garden, with campanulas, penstemons, perennial flaxes or phlox. On a balcony or patio, plant dwarf varieties like 'Cosmopolitan' in large pots of at least 30 cm (12in) deep,. The flowers are edible: they brighten up salads and decorate desserts.

Many varieties have been developed in Japan, where they are very popular. The flowers of these plants come in a wide range of colors and shapes. More than 60,000 cultivars, mostly resulting from hybridization by gardening enthusiasts, are listed, appreciated and studied by international Hemerocallis societies.