Hemerocallis 'Gentle Shepherd' (Daylily)

£8.99

Position: full sun
Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Rate of growth: average
Flowering period: July
Hardiness: fully hardy
Masses of ivory-white flowers lasting just one day appear continuously in mid summer on slender, upright stems. In mild areas it is semi-evergreen and forms large clumps of strap-like leaves, valuable for suppressing weeds and disguising the dying foliage of spring-flowering bulbs. This elegant daylily looks gorgeous planted in drifts in a sunny mixed or herbaceous border or beside a pond or water feature. Like most hemerocallis, it is robust and easy to grow, provided you follow the tips below. Garden care: The Greek term 'hemerocallis' means 'beautiful for a day', and daylilies need regular deadheading to prolong flowering and prevent their unsightly deadheads from dominating the scene. Each stem carries several flowers, so snap off each flower as it fades. When the stem has finished flowering, cut it down to the ground. After the plant has finished flowering altogether, pull out the dead leaves. When the foliage is looking tatty, cut it down to the ground and fresh new growth will appear. Lift and divide every two years in spring to keep the rhizomes vigorous and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant. Water frequently from spring until the buds appear.

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