Hemerocallis 'Stafford' (Daylily)

Hemerocallis 'stafford' (Daylily)

£8.99

Position: full sun
Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Rate of growth: average
Flowering period: July
Hardiness: fully hardy
Masses of scarlet, lily-like flowers with yellow midribs and throats appear continuously in mid summer. This daylily looks stunning planted in drifts in a sunny mixed or herbaceous border among 'hot' colours, or with cannas and montbretias as companions. The bright green, strap-like leaves are semi-evergreen in mild areas, and soon form large clumps of strap-like foliage that helps to suppress weeds and disguise the dying foliage of spring-flowering bulbs. Like most hemerocallis, it is robust and easy to grow, provided you follow the tips below. It's best to provide some protection in really sunny sites as the scarlet blooms are suspectible to sun-scorch. 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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