Hemerocallis 'Strawberry Candy'

Hemerocallis 'Strawberry Candy': Summer’s Sweetest Blush

Like a bowl of ripe fruit on a sunlit table, Hemerocallis 'Strawberry Candy' radiates warmth and delight with its ruffled, strawberry-pink blooms kissed by rose-red eyes and golden throats. A standout in mid-summer, this award-winning daylily is cherished for its strong rebloom, eye-catching colour contrast, and graceful, arching habit that adds soft movement to garden beds.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–70 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm
• Flower Colour: Strawberry-pink with a rose-red eye and golden throat
• Flowering Period: Mid-summer with repeat blooms into early fall
• Foliage: Arching, grass-like green leaves
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, moderately fertile soils; tolerant of clay and drought once established

Uses and Benefits: Hemerocallis 'Strawberry Candy' makes a lively addition to borders, slopes, and foundation plantings where long bloom time and reliable performance are essential. It offers a strong vertical presence and a profusion of midsummer colour that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Its durability and elegance suit both formal and relaxed garden styles, making it a mainstay in mixed perennial plantings.

Companion Plants: Pair Hemerocallis 'Strawberry Candy' with the finely textured, smoky-blue blades of Festuca 'Elijah Blue' for contrast and cohesion. Weave in the deep bronze foliage of Ajuga 'Black Scallop' to ground the planting with bold texture and spring colour. Tuck in Sedum 'Fulda Glow' for trailing ruby-tinged foliage and late-season interest, creating a harmonious palette from spring through fall.

Care Instructions: Best grown in full sun for optimal flowering, but will tolerate part shade. Provide well-drained soil with average moisture; amend heavy soils with compost to improve drainage. Remove spent flower stalks to promote clean rebloom. Divide every 3–4 years in early spring or late summer to maintain vigour and encourage prolific flowering.

History: Introduced by Stamile in 1989, Hemerocallis 'Strawberry Candy' has earned wide acclaim for its bold colouring, reliable rebloom, and consistent garden performance. It has received multiple honours, including the Award of Merit and the Lenington All-American Award, celebrating its standout qualities among modern daylilies.

Final Thoughts: With its vibrant hues and repeat blooms, Hemerocallis 'Strawberry Candy' sweetens the summer garden like a seasonal treat. Pair it with cool grasses and rich-toned groundcovers for a planting that’s both lively and enduring—an irresistible blend of beauty and resilience.