Hemerocallis hybrid Apricot Stella® (Daylily)

The bright blooms of Apricot Stella® attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. The flowers’ nectar provides a valuable food source for pollinators throughout the summer.

Blooms begin in early summer and continue intermittently through late summer or early fall. Foliage emerges in spring and typically dies back after the first hard frost.

Borders, mass planting, slopes, containers, foundation plantings, pollinator gardens, low-maintenance landscapes

Apricot Stella® has long, arching, grass-like leaves that remain lush and green throughout the growing season. The foliage forms a dense, mounded clump, providing a soft texture that contrasts beautifully with the vibrant blooms. The foliage also adds visual interest when the plant is not in bloom.

• Flowering Season: Early summer to fall (June to September).
• Flower Description: The showy, trumpet-shaped flowers of Apricot Stella® are a soft apricot color with a golden-yellow throat. Each flower lasts for a day, but the plant produces an abundance of blooms throughout the season, ensuring continuous color. The blooms rise on tall stems above the foliage, creating an eye-catching display in the garden.

• Planting Time: Plant in early spring or fall when temperatures are cooler and the soil is moist. Spring planting allows the daylily to establish before the summer heat, while fall planting ensures the roots settle in before winter.

• Soil: Apricot Stella® thrives in well-drained, loamy soil rich in organic matter. It is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy or clay soils, as long as the drainage is good. Slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0) is ideal.

• Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for their mature spread and to create a lush, full display in borders or mass plantings.

Remove spent flowers (deadhead) throughout the blooming season to encourage continuous blooming. In late fall, trim back the foliage to about 4-6 inches above ground level to prepare the plant for winter. New growth will emerge in spring.

Apricot Stella® prefers consistently moist soil, especially during its first growing season. Water deeply and regularly to establish strong roots. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and only requires supplemental watering during prolonged dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as the plant prefers well-drained soil.

Full sun to partial shade. For the best flower production, plant in full sun where the daylily will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In hotter climates, it can benefit from some afternoon shade to prevent the blooms from fading.

Flowers can be harvested early in the day when fully open. Use immediately for culinary purposes (in salads or stir-fry) or decorative use. Buds can also be harvested before opening. Deadheading spent flowers encourages reblooming.

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support healthy growth and abundant flowering. Apply compost or organic matter around the base of the plant to improve soil fertility. A second light feeding after the first flush of blooms can help encourage repeat blooming.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Mulching is particularly beneficial during hot summers or dry periods.
• Winter Care: Apricot Stella® is cold-hardy and does not require special winter protection in most climates. In colder regions (Zone 4), mulching around the base of the plant can help protect the roots from extreme cold.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: This daylily is generally pest- and disease-resistant, making it a low-maintenance choice for most gardens. Good air circulation and proper watering help prevent any potential issues like crown rot or rust.

Apricot Stella® is pollinated by bees, butterflies, and other insects. The nectar-rich flowers make it an excellent plant for supporting pollinator populations. No special pollination care is required, and the plant will continue to produce blooms throughout the season without assistance.

Pairs well with ornamental grasses (like Festuca or Pennisetum), Coreopsis, Salvia, Echinacea, Shasta daisies, Sedum, and low-growing groundcovers like Geranium or Heuchera. For foliage contrast, hostas or ferns work well in partially shaded areas.