Hemerocallis hybrid Cherry Stella®

Cherry Stella® attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich flowers. The bright, showy blooms are a magnet for wildlife, making it a great addition to pollinator-friendly gardens. It is also deer-resistant, which adds to its versatility in gardens where wildlife browsing can be a concern.

Cherry Stella® is a deciduous perennial that emerges in spring, blooms throughout summer, and continues into fall before going dormant in winter. It returns year after year with vigorous growth.

Borders, mass plantings, pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, low-maintenance landscapes

The foliage of Cherry Stella® consists of narrow, arching, bright green leaves that grow in dense clumps. The grass-like leaves are semi-evergreen in warmer climates and provide a lush backdrop to the vibrant flowers. The foliage stays attractive throughout the growing season, adding texture and movement to the garden.

• Flowering Season : This daylily is a re-blooming variety, with an extended bloom period from early summer through fall (typically June to September). With proper care, it can produce multiple flushes of blooms, ensuring continuous color in the garden for months.
• Flower Description : The flowers of Cherry Stella® are striking, 2.5-inch wide blooms with vibrant cherry-red petals and a contrasting golden-yellow throat. The star-shaped flowers are produced on sturdy, leafless stems (scapes), rising above the foliage. The blooms last for a single day, but each plant produces a high volume of flowers, ensuring a long-lasting display.

• When to Plant: Plant in early spring or fall to allow the plant to establish its root system before the hot summer or cold winter months.

• How to Plant: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant the crown at or just below the soil surface. Space plants about 18-24 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.

Deadheading spent flowers regularly encourages continuous blooming and keeps the plant looking tidy. Cut back the foliage in late fall or early spring to remove dead or damaged leaves and prepare the plant for the next growing season. Divide the clumps every 3-4 years to maintain plant vigor and prevent overcrowding.

Cherry Stella® is drought-tolerant once established, but it performs best with regular watering. Water deeply during dry spells to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the blooming season. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot.

This daylily thrives in full sun to partial shade. For the best flowering performance, plant in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate some shade but may produce fewer flowers in lower light conditions.

Cherry Stella® flowers can be cut and used in fresh floral arrangements, though they last only a day. For best results, harvest the blooms in the morning when they are fully open. The vibrant color and unique shape add a touch of elegance to floral displays.

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support healthy growth and abundant blooming. A second application of fertilizer in midsummer can help boost flower production during the re-blooming period.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

• Soil: Cherry Stella® prefers well-drained, loamy soil, but is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including sandy and clay soils. It performs best in slightly acidic to neutral pH.

• Disease and Pest Resistance: This daylily is highly resistant to pests and diseases, including rust and crown rot, making it an easy-care option for gardens.

The flowers of Cherry Stella® are self-fertile and do not require cross-pollination. However, their bright, open blooms are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, contributing to garden biodiversity.

– Salvia nemorosa – Adds vertical spikes of purple-blue flowers that contrast beautifully with the cherry-red blooms.

– Coreopsis verticillata – Airy foliage and bright yellow blooms pair well with daylily form and color.

– Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) – Bold daisy-like flowers that bloom around the same time and attract pollinators.

– Nepeta (Catmint) – Mounding habit and lavender-blue flowers offer a soft foil for the bold daylily blooms.

– Geranium ‘Rozanne’ – Spreading habit and long-lasting violet-blue flowers create a great groundcover beneath daylilies.

– Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ – Provides late-season interest with succulent foliage and pink to rust-colored blooms.

– Heuchera (Coral Bells) – Colorful foliage adds texture and contrast, especially in part shade.

– Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum) – Classic white daisies complement the cherry tones of ‘Cherry Stella’.

– Lavandula (Lavender) – Aromatic foliage and purple flower spikes match well in sun-loving borders.

– Phlox paniculata – Tall, fragrant summer flowers in pinks or purples that harmonize with the daylily's reblooming show.

These combinations offer continuous color, textural contrast, and support pollinator-friendly garden design.