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Growth Rate
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– Moderate to fast – fills in quickly with clump-forming habit
– Matures in 1–2 seasons under ideal conditions
– Spreads via fleshy roots but is not invasive |
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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Yes |
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Bloom Color
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Disease resistant
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Yes |
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Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
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Heat Tolerant
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Yes |
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Drought Tolerant
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Yes |
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Deer Resistant
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No |
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Edible
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Yes |
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Wildlife Attraction
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– Attracts pollinators, especially bees and butterflies
– Hummingbirds may visit as well
– Not a major food source for wildlife otherwise |
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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– Spring: Foliage emerges, clumps begin to fill out
– Summer: Main bloom season, potential rebloom with deadheading and care
– Fall: Foliage may persist; cut back as it yellows
– Winter: Dormant in cold zones; semi-evergreen in warmer climates |
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Ideal For
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Borders, mass plantings, containers, slopes, cottage gardens, low-maintenance perennial beds |
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Leaf Description
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– Narrow, arching strap-like leaves
– Medium green, semi-evergreen in warmer zones
– Forms a neat, fountain-shaped clump 12–18 inches high |
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Flower Description
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– Bloom time: Early to mid-summer (with possible rebloom)
– Color: Soft apricot to rose petals with a bright yellow throat
– Form: Trumpet-shaped, about 3–4 inches wide
– Bloom habit: Each flower lasts one day, but the plant produces many over several weeks |
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Planting Instructions
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– Timing: Best planted in spring or fall
– Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil; tolerant of a wide range of conditions
– Depth: Plant the crown about 1 inch below the soil surface
– Spacing: Space 18–24 inches apart to allow clump expansion
– Mulching: Apply mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds |
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Pruning & Maintenance
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– Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote tidy appearance and potential rebloom
– Cut back flower stalks once they finish blooming
– Remove yellowing foliage in late fall or early spring
– Divide clumps every 3–5 years to rejuvenate and increase bloom |
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Water Needs
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– Water regularly during establishment (first season)
– Once established, moderately drought tolerant
– Performs best with consistent moisture, especially during bloom season
– Avoid soggy soil to prevent root rot |
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Light Needs
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– Prefers full sun (6+ hours per day) for best bloom performance
– Tolerates part shade, especially in hotter climates (but may bloom less) |
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Harvesting
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– Cut flowers: Can be used in short-term arrangements but each bloom only lasts one day
– Edible: Flowers and buds are edible and used in salads or stir-fries
– Harvest blooms in the morning for freshest appearance |
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Fertilizing
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– Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring
– Optional second application after first bloom flush to encourage rebloom
– Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes foliage over flowers |
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Pollination
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– Self-pollinating – individual flowers contain both male and female organs
– Cross-pollination by insects (especially bees) also occurs
– Seeds may form but are not typically used for propagation unless hybridizing |
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Companion Plants
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Pairs well with plants that complement its low, arching foliage and extended bloom season: – Salvia nemorosa – Spiky blooms contrast with the round daylily flowers
– Nepeta (Catmint) – Cool-toned blooms and soft texture complement apricot tones
– Coreopsis verticillata – Long-blooming, airy daisy forms
– Echinacea purpurea – Tall structure and bold color pairing
– Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ – Late-season interest and strong foliage
– Lavender – Aromatic, drought-tolerant companion
– Heuchera – Colorful foliage and mounding form work well in mixed beds
– Shasta daisy – Adds brightness and contrasts form and bloom time |
