Hemerocallis hybrid Raspberry Stella® (Daylily)

Raspberry Stella® attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with its vibrant flowers and abundant nectar. This daylily is a great addition to pollinator-friendly gardens, helping to support beneficial insects throughout the summer.

– Spring: Emerges with green foliage

– Early to mid-summer: First flush of raspberry-pink blooms

– Late summer to fall: Reblooming cycle, though lighter than initial bloom

– Winter: Foliage dies back in cold climates; plant enters dormancy

Mass plantings, borders, edging, urban gardens, containers, pollinator gardens, and low-maintenance landscapes

The long, arching, grass-like leaves of Raspberry Stella® remain green throughout the growing season, forming dense, mounded clumps. This lush foliage provides a perfect backdrop for the vivid raspberry blooms and maintains a neat, tidy appearance even when the plant is not in flower.

• Flowering Season: Early summer to fall (June to September).
• Flower Description: The trumpet-shaped blooms of Raspberry Stella® are a rich raspberry-pink with a golden-yellow throat, creating a striking contrast. Each individual flower lasts for just one day, but the plant continuously produces new blooms, offering a vibrant display throughout the season. The flowers are held on tall stems that rise above the foliage.

• Planting Time: Plant in early spring or fall to give the roots time to establish in moderate temperatures before summer heat or winter frost.

• Soil: Raspberry Stella® prefers well-drained, loamy soil rich in organic matter. It is highly 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 best.

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

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

Raspberry Stella® prefers consistently moist soil, especially during its first growing season. Water deeply and regularly to help the plant establish a strong root system. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant and only needs supplemental watering during extended dry periods. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Full sun to partial shade. For the best flowering performance, plant Raspberry Stella® in full sun, where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In hotter climates, partial shade in the afternoon can help prevent the blooms from fading.

Flowers: Pick flower buds early in the morning just before they open for culinary use (e.g., stuffing or tempura)

– Seed Pods: Can be collected in late summer or early fall once they dry and turn brown, though not typically grown for propagation this way

– Deadheading: Regularly removing spent blooms can extend the blooming period and enhance appearance

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. 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 through the season.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Mulching also helps protect the roots during hot summers or dry spells.

• Winter Care: Raspberry Stella® is cold-hardy and does not require special winter protection in most climates. In colder regions, mulching around the base of the plant can help insulate the roots from extreme cold.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: This daylily is generally resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance choice for most gardens. Proper spacing and good air circulation will help prevent any potential issues like crown rot or rust.

Raspberry Stella® is pollinated by bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The bright flowers offer an excellent source of nectar for pollinators, making this daylily a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. No special pollination care is required, and the plant will continue to bloom prolifically without assistance.

– Echinacea purpurea (Coneflowers): provide height and attract pollinators

– Salvia nemorosa: contrasts well with its fine foliage and attracts bees

– Nepeta faassenii (Catmint): offers a soft, spreading habit that complements daylilies

– Achillea (Yarrow): thrives in similar sun and soil conditions, great for color layering

– Coreopsis: continuous bloomers that mirror the cheerful tone of daylilies

– Sedum (Stonecrop): excellent for edging and drought-tolerant gardens

– Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan): seasonal overlap creates vibrant borders