Hemerocallis ‘Stella Rouge’

Description

Hemerocallis ‘Stella Rouge’ is a vibrant daylily that brings striking deep-red flowers with a yellow throat to your garden from June to September. This evergreen, clump-forming perennial is perfect for adding bold colour and texture to garden borders, containers, and flower beds. By following this comprehensive guide, your Hemerocallis ‘Stella Rouge’ will thrive year after year.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Hemerocallis ‘Stella Rouge’ is in early spring when the soil has warmed up. This allows the roots to establish before the blooming season begins, ensuring a healthy and vigorous plant.
• Autumn: Alternatively, Hemerocallis ‘Stella Rouge’ can be planted in early autumn. Planting in autumn allows the plant to settle in before the winter dormancy period, encouraging strong growth in the coming spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Hemerocallis flourishes in full sun. For optimal growth and flower production, choose a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is key to growing a healthy Hemerocallis ‘Stella Rouge’. This plant does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so it’s essential to ensure good drainage. Enrich the soil with compost or organic matter to improve fertility and drainage.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball of Hemerocallis ‘Stella Rouge’. This provides ample space for the roots to spread and establish.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to improve its fertility and drainage. Hemerocallis benefits from nutrient-rich soil, which promotes healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
3. Planting: Place the root ball into the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole, firming the soil to eliminate air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and encourage the roots to establish. Ensure the area drains well to prevent waterlogging.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Hemerocallis is moderately drought-tolerant. Water during dry periods, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to root issues.
• Dormant Season: In the dormant season, reduce watering significantly. Water only if the soil becomes excessively dry, as Hemerocallis ‘Stella Rouge’ requires minimal moisture during this period.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to provide Hemerocallis ‘Stella Rouge’ with the nutrients it needs to kickstart the growing season. This will support healthy growth and abundant flowers.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can help maintain the plant’s vigour and encourage continuous flowering throughout the blooming period.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly deadhead Hemerocallis ‘Stella Rouge’ by removing spent flowers. This will prolong the blooming period and encourage new flower production. It also helps keep the plant looking tidy.
• Autumn Pruning: After the last flowers have faded in autumn, cut back the foliage to ground level. This will prepare the plant for winter dormancy and ensure healthier growth the following year.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your Hemerocallis in spring to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic materials like bark chips or compost for best results.
• Winter: In winter, mulch around the plant to protect the roots from cold temperatures and prevent frost heaving. This helps ensure the plant survives and is ready to grow in the spring.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Hemerocallis ‘Stella Rouge’ has sturdy stems and does not typically require staking. However, in areas with strong winds, consider staking the plant to prevent any damage to the blooms.

Final Tips

Hemerocallis ‘Stella Rouge’ is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial that adds stunning colour to your garden. With its deep-red flowers and yellow throat, this daylily creates an eye-catching display from June to September. By following these planting and care instructions, your Hemerocallis ‘Stella Rouge’ will thrive and bloom year after year, enhancing your garden with beauty and elegance. Add this remarkable daylily to your garden for a low-maintenance plant that delivers vibrant colour all season long.