Hemerocallis Soft Cashmere - Daylily

Daylily or Hemerocallis 'Soft Cashmere' offers very bright, flat and long-lasting flowers that resemble large pastel-yellow stars with a deeper yellow throat. This medium-sized variety blooms in the middle of the daylily season, in June-July, for a long period. Its foliage is deciduous.

The Hemerocallis genus belongs to the Liliaceae family. These are perennial and hardy plants with deciduous or semi-evergreen foliage. The 'Soft Cashmere' variety was created in 1980. This perennial forms a clump that will reach a height of 65 cm (26 in), with a spread of 60 cm (24 in) or more if the soil suits it. The large individual flowers have long undulating petals on the edge and are well curled backwards, measuring about 17 cm (7 in) in diameter. They last only one day, but continuously bloom on sturdy stems above a dense light green linear foliage. The abundant flowering in June-July can sometimes return in autumn. Daylilies are plants with short rhizomes and fleshy roots that tolerate dry soils but are more floriferous and lush in heavy and moist soil.

Very easy to grow, these plants thrive in both shade and sun. Some of them can be a bit invasive, so do not hesitate to divide the clumps every four or five years, preferably in autumn, after flowering. The daylily is often called "the perfect perennial" because of its vibrant colours and its ability to tolerate any type of environment, but also due to its lack of modesty: it displays a beautiful exuberance that goes well with other perennials. Plant them in generous clumps in the background of your flower beds. All summer bulb flowers can be planted alongside daylilies. Gladioli find an excellent natural support in this dense plant, so staking is no longer necessary. The same goes for lilies, whose subtly shaped flowers will be enhanced. Of course, all garden plants are welcome, especially gaillardias, lychnis, bee balm, goldenrod, and phlox, etc. Also consider grasses, with their flexible and light habit. On a balcony or terrace, large pots of at least 30 cm (12 in) deep should be provided and you should choose dwarf varieties. The flowers are edible: they brighten up salads and garnish desserts.