Hemerocallis ‘Stella de Oro’: A Golden Star in the Garden
Hemerocallis ‘Stella de Oro’, often simply called ‘Stella’, is a ubiquitous and beloved daylily cultivar that has earned its place as a garden staple. Its enduring popularity stems from its prolific blooming, compact size, and vibrant golden-yellow flowers. This article delves into the characteristics, cultivation, and enduring appeal of this remarkable plant.
Origins and Characteristics
‘Stella de Oro’ was hybridized by Dr. Paul Hall in 1975 and introduced to the market in 1975. Its name, translating to “Star of Gold,” aptly describes its radiant blossoms. This diploid daylily is known for its extended blooming period, often starting in late spring or early summer and continuing intermittently throughout the summer months.
Key Features:
Hemerocallis (Daylily) ‘Stella de Oro’ – Reblooming
Image Source: whiteflowerfarm.com
Flowers: The flowers are a clear, bright golden-yellow, typically measuring 2.75 inches (7 cm) in diameter. They possess a classic daylily form with slightly ruffled petals and a prominent green throat. Each flower lasts only a single day, as is typical of daylilies, but the plant’s continuous production of buds ensures a constant display of color.
Foliage: The foliage is composed of arching, grass-like leaves that form a neat, compact clump. This foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, providing a pleasing backdrop for the vibrant blooms.
Size: ‘Stella de Oro’ is considered a dwarf or miniature daylily, reaching a mature height of approximately 12-18 inches (30-45 cm). This compact size makes it ideal for smaller gardens, borders, and container plantings.
Reblooming: One of the most significant advantages of ‘Stella de Oro’ is its reblooming capability. After the initial flush of flowers, it continues to produce new blooms throughout the summer, extending the period of color in the garden.
Hardiness: This cultivar is known for its exceptional hardiness, tolerating a wide range of growing conditions and temperatures. It is generally hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Fragrance: ‘Stella de Oro’ possesses a delicate, sweet fragrance that adds to its appeal.
Cultivation and Care
‘Stella de Oro’ is a relatively low-maintenance plant, making it a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Proper cultivation techniques will ensure healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Planting:
Timing: The best time to plant daylilies is in the spring or fall.
Location: Choose a sunny location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. While ‘Stella de Oro’ can tolerate partial shade, it will bloom more profusely in full sun.
Soil: Daylilies prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or other organic material before planting.
Spacing: Space plants approximately 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart to allow for adequate growth.
Depth: Plant the crown of the daylily (where the roots meet the foliage) at soil level.
Stella D’Oro Daylily
Image Source: shopify.com
Watering:
‘Stella de Oro’ is relatively drought-tolerant once established, but it benefits from regular watering, especially during dry periods.
Water deeply at the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering, which can promote fungal diseases.
Fertilizing:
Fertilize daylilies in the spring before new growth begins and again after the initial flush of blooms.
Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 formula.
Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.
Mulching:
Hemerocallis rebloomer ‘Stella d’Oro’ (Ships in Spring) Daylily
Image Source: adrbulbs.com
Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Deadheading:
Remove spent flowers (deadheading) to encourage continuous blooming and prevent seed formation.
Division:
Daylilies can be divided every 3-5 years to prevent overcrowding and rejuvenate the plants.
The best time to divide daylilies is in the spring or fall.
Pest and Disease Management
‘Stella de Oro’ is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to certain problems.
Common Pests:
Aphids: These small insects can suck sap from the leaves and stems.
Slugs and Snails: These pests can damage foliage and flowers.
Thrips: These tiny insects can cause damage to flower buds and petals.
Common Diseases:
Crown Rot: This fungal disease can cause the crown of the plant to rot.
Leaf Streak: This fungal disease causes yellow streaks on the leaves.
Rust: This fungal disease causes orange pustules on the leaves.
Using ‘Stella de Oro’ in the Landscape
‘Stella de Oro’ is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of landscape settings.
Borders and Edging
Its compact size and continuous blooming make it an excellent choice for borders and edging. It creates a neat, tidy edge along walkways and flowerbeds.
Container Gardening
‘Stella de Oro’ thrives in containers, making it ideal for patios, balconies, and other small spaces.
Mass Plantings
Mass plantings of ‘Stella de Oro’ create a stunning display of color.
Mixed Flowerbeds
It combines well with other perennials and annuals, adding a splash of golden-yellow to mixed flowerbeds.
Rock Gardens
Its low growing habit makes it suitable for rock gardens.
Foundation Plantings
It can brighten the base of a house.
Companion Plants
‘Stella de Oro’ pairs well with a variety of other plants, creating attractive and harmonious combinations.
Purple Flowers
The contrast between the golden-yellow flowers of ‘Stella de Oro’ and purple flowers, such as salvia, verbena, or lavender, is visually striking.
Blue Flowers
Blue flowers, such as agapanthus, plumbago, or blue salvia, also provide a beautiful contrast to the yellow blooms.
White Flowers
White flowers, such as Shasta daisies, white phlox, or white petunias, create a clean and elegant look.
Silver Foliage
Plants with silver foliage, such as dusty miller or artemisia, add texture and contrast to the garden.
Grasses
Ornamental grasses pair nicely, providing texture and movement.
The Enduring Appeal of ‘Stella de Oro’
‘Stella de Oro’ has remained a popular daylily cultivar for decades due to its numerous desirable qualities.
Prolific Blooming
Its ability to rebloom throughout the summer provides a long-lasting display of color.
Compact Size
Its compact size makes it suitable for a wide range of garden settings.
Low Maintenance
Its low-maintenance requirements make it an easy-to-grow plant for gardeners of all skill levels.
Hardiness
Its exceptional hardiness allows it to thrive in a variety of climates.
Versatility
Its versatility in the landscape makes it a valuable addition to any garden.
In conclusion, Hemerocallis ‘Stella de Oro’ is a truly exceptional daylily that has earned its place as a garden favorite. Its golden-yellow flowers, extended blooming period, compact size, and low-maintenance requirements make it a valuable addition to any landscape. Whether planted in borders, containers, or mass plantings, ‘Stella de Oro’ will undoubtedly bring a touch of sunshine to your garden.
