Hemerocallis Little Cadet - Daylily

The Daylily or Hemerocallis 'Little Cadet' produces an abundance of small round, fleshy and undulate bicolour flowers, combining a soft and warm yellow colour with a large brown heart with shades of brick and red. Its flowering, quite early, extends throughout the summer on a stout and sturdy plant. This perennial is a jewel for the summer, magnificent in sunny borders. It can be easily cultivated, even in pots, for many years.

The genus Hemerocallis belongs to the family Liliaceae. These are  perennial and hardy plants whose foliage is deciduous, sometimes semi-evergreen. The variety 'Little Cadet', obtained in 1979, grows quickly in a fairly dense clump that will reach 40-45 cm (16-18in) in height, with a relative spread of 40 cm (16in), daylilies tend to spread a little when they like the soil. The flowers measure approximately 7.5 cm (3in) in diameter. Their petals are wide, thick and slightly wavy, undulate on the edges. The crinkled edges soften the colour. Each flower lasts only a day, but the flowering continuously repeat flowers over a beautiful period between June and August. The stems are robust and allow for beautiful bouquets. The foliage is linear and dormant in winter. Daylilies are plants with short rhizomes and fleshy roots that tolerate dry soils but are more opulent and floriferous in moist soil.

Very easy to grow, these plants thrive in both shade and sun. Some are 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" because of their vibrant colours and ability to tolerate any type of environment, but also due to their lack of modesty, they have a beautiful exuberance that blends well with other perennials. Plant them in generous clumps at the back of your flower beds. All summer bulb flowers can be planted alongside daylilies. 'Little Cadet' will form beautiful summer borders, along with crocosmia, penstemons, and annual or perennial poppies. A small grass like Stipa tenuifolia or Carex will form an elegant and complementary association with its generous flowering. It will be superb on a balcony or terrace. You should plan for large pots of at least 30 cm (12in) in depth and choose from dwarf varieties. The flowers are edible: they brighten up salads and decorate desserts, each with its own unique flavour!