Growing Information

Growing zone guide
Growing Zone Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
Sunlight Bright light to partial shade
Type of Soil Slightly acidic to neutral
Mature Height 10 to 12 inches
Maintenance Level Low maintenance
Water Requirement Moderate watering (once a week)

Learn more about this plant

Additional Information
Growth Rate
  • 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.
Colorful Leaves No
Flowering Yes
Bloom Color Yellow
Ornamental Berries N/A
Disease resistant Yes
Cold Tolerant Yes
Heat Tolerant Yes
Drought Tolerant Yes
Deer Resistant No
Edible Yes
Wildlife Attraction
  • Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are drawn to the nectar-rich flowers.
  • Wildlife Resistant: Deer-resistant, making it suitable for areas with wildlife challenges.
Self-pollinating Self-pollinating
Seasonality
  • 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
Ideal For
  • Borders and edging
  • Containers
  • Mass plantings
  • Pollinator gardens
  • Low-maintenance landscapes
Leaf Description
  • 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.
Flower Description
  • 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.
Pruning & Maintenance

  • 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.
Water Needs
  • 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.
Light Needs

Full sun for the best flowering performance, though it can tolerate light shade, especially in hotter climates.

Harvesting

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

  • 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.
Additional Care Tips
  • 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.
Pollination

  • 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.
Companion Plants
  • Coreopsis
  • Salvia
  • Lavender
  • Echinacea (Coneflower)
Flowering and Seasonality
  • 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
  • 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.
Pet Friendly

Yes

Growing Zone
  • Zone 3
  • Zone 4
  • Zone 5
  • Zone 6
  • Zone 7
  • Zone 8
  • Zone 9

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