Hemerocallis ‘Stella Citron’

Description

Hemerocallis ‘Stella Citron’ is a vibrant, evergreen perennial known for its stunning lemon-yellow flowers that bloom from June to September. This hardy, clump-forming daylily is a perfect addition to any garden, offering low-maintenance beauty with its arching, sword-shaped leaves and long-lasting blooms. Follow this planting and care guide to ensure your Hemerocallis ‘Stella Citron’ thrives and delivers a striking display year after year.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Hemerocallis ‘Stella Citron’ is in early spring, once the soil begins to warm up. This allows the roots to establish and the plant to settle in before the blooming season, ensuring a strong and healthy plant.
• Autumn: Alternatively, Hemerocallis can be planted in early autumn. This gives the plant time to adjust before winter dormancy, encouraging robust growth in the following spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Hemerocallis thrives in full sun. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to promote the best flower production and healthy growth.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is essential for Hemerocallis ‘Stella Citron’. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so good drainage is crucial to avoid root rot. Incorporate organic matter such as compost to improve soil structure and fertility, providing optimal conditions for growth.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of the plant. This allows the roots to spread freely and establish firmly.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to improve its fertility and drainage. Hemerocallis ‘Stella Citron’ benefits from rich, well-drained soil, which supports vigorous growth and vibrant blooms.
3. Planting: Place the root ball of Hemerocallis ‘Stella Citron’ in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole and firm the soil to remove any air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and encourage root establishment. Ensure the soil drains well to prevent waterlogging.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Hemerocallis is moderately drought-tolerant. Water during dry spells, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as too much moisture can cause root issues.
• Dormant Season: During the dormant season, reduce watering significantly. Water only if the soil becomes excessively dry, as Hemerocallis ‘Stella Citron’ requires minimal moisture during this time.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to help your Hemerocallis get off to a strong start. This will encourage healthy new growth and vibrant blooms throughout the season.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can help maintain the plant’s vigour and promote continuous flowering. Be sure to follow the fertiliser’s recommended dosage to avoid overfeeding.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain a neat appearance. Removing faded flowers also prevents seed formation, which can divert energy from further flowering.
• Autumn Pruning: After the blooming season, trim back the foliage of Hemerocallis ‘Stella Citron’ to the ground. This will prepare the plant for the dormant period and help promote healthier growth the following year.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of Hemerocallis ‘Stella Citron’ in spring to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches like bark chips or compost are ideal.
• Winter: In colder months, add a thicker layer of mulch around the plant to protect the roots from frost and prevent heaving. This ensures the plant survives through the winter and is ready to grow again in spring.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Hemerocallis ‘Stella Citron’ typically has strong, upright stems, so staking is rarely necessary. However, if the plant becomes top-heavy with blooms or is located in a windy area, you may want to stake it to prevent damage.

Final Tips

Hemerocallis ‘Stella Citron’ is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial that adds beautiful, long-lasting colour to your garden. By following this simple care guide, you can enjoy vibrant, lemon-yellow flowers from June to September. With proper planting, watering, and pruning, your Hemerocallis will thrive and continue to brighten your garden year after year. Add this stunning daylily to your garden and watch it flourish with ease and beauty.