Growth Rate
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- Speed: Fast grower, filling out within one to two growing seasons.
- Mature Growth: Reaches 10-14 inches in height and 12-18 inches wide, forming a compact, clumping habit.
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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Yes |
Bloom Color
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Disease resistant
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Yes |
Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
Heat Tolerant
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Yes |
Drought Tolerant
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Yes |
Deer Resistant
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No |
Edible
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Yes |
Wildlife Attraction
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- Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are drawn to the nectar-rich flowers.
- Wildlife Resistant: Deer-resistant, making it suitable for areas with wildlife challenges.
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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- Foliage Season: Spring to fall, with semi-evergreen leaves in mild climates.
- Flowering Season: Early summer through fall (June to September).
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-9
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Ideal For
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- Borders and edging
- Containers
- Mass plantings
- Pollinator gardens
- Low-maintenance landscapes
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Leaf Description
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- Color: Bright green, grass-like leaves that create a dense, arching clump.
- Form: Narrow, strap-like leaves that provide a neat, tidy appearance throughout the growing season.
- Fall Interest: Leaves remain green in mild climates or turn yellow before dormancy in colder regions.
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Flower Description
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- Color: Bright lemon-yellow blooms.
- Form: Small, trumpet-shaped flowers with slightly ruffled petals, measuring about 2-3 inches across.
- Bloom Time: A prolific rebloomer, flowering continuously from early summer to fall.
- Fragrance: Mildly fragrant.
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Planting Instructions
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- Planting Time: Plant in spring or fall for best establishment.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil but is highly adaptable to various soil types, including sandy or clay soils.
- Planting Depth: Plant the crown at soil level, ensuring that the roots are well-covered but not buried too deeply.
- Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
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Pruning & Maintenance
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- Timing: Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming.
- Method: Cut back flower stalks after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance. In late fall or early spring, trim the foliage to the ground to promote fresh growth in the new season.
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Water Needs
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- Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots. Once established, Lemon Stella® is drought-tolerant and needs minimal watering.
- Soil Moisture: Prefers moderately moist, well-drained soil. Avoid overwatering or allowing the soil to become waterlogged.
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Light Needs
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Full sun for the best flowering performance, though it can tolerate light shade, especially in hotter climates. |
Harvesting
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– Best time to harvest blooms: Early morning, just as flowers open — daylilies are named for their short-lived blooms, which last only a day
– Use of harvested parts: Flowers and buds are edible and can be used fresh in salads, sautéed, stuffed, or battered and fried
– Bud harvesting: Harvest unopened buds before they swell too much if you plan to cook them like green beans or use in stir-fry
– Storage: Best used fresh, but can be refrigerated for 1–2 days; petals wilt quickly once picked
– Culinary tip: Remove stamens and pistils for best texture and taste if consuming flowers raw |
Fertilizing
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- Fertilization Time: Apply fertilizer in early spring and again after the first bloom to encourage reblooming.
- Fertilizer Type: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost to support healthy growth and prolific flowering.
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Additional Care Tips
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- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep mulch away from the crown to prevent rot.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Lemon Stella® is highly drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for low-water landscapes.
- Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free but may occasionally be affected by slugs or snails. Good air circulation helps prevent any fungal issues.
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Pollination
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- Pollination Type: Pollinated by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Seed Production: Produces seed pods if flowers are left to mature, though daylilies are typically grown for their flowers rather than seeds.
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Companion Plants
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- Coreopsis
- Salvia
- Lavender
- Echinacea (Coneflower)
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