Hemerocallis 'Ruby Stella'

Hemerocallis 'Ruby Stella': A Gem of the Garden

Hemerocallis 'Ruby Stella' is a captivating daylily that brings a deep, jewel-toned vibrancy to any garden setting. Renowned for its rich ruby-red blooms with contrasting golden-yellow throats, this variety stands as a testament to the elegance and resilience of the daylily family. 'Ruby Stella' is a re-blooming cultivar, ensuring gardeners enjoy its dazzling display from early summer through to the first frost. Perfect for those seeking to infuse their landscapes with depth of color and continuous interest, 'Ruby Stella' combines the hardiness daylilies are known for with unparalleled beauty.

Product Characteristics:

• Height: This variety reaches a height of about 40-50 cm, making it an ideal choice for mid-border planting, creating vibrant accents, or gracing container arrangements.
• Spread: With a spread of approximately 30-45 cm, it forms a full, lush clump of foliage that adds texture and greenery to garden spaces.
• Flower Colour: The blooms are a striking ruby-red, set off by a bright yellow throat, creating a dramatic and eye-catching contrast.
• Flowering Period: 'Ruby Stella' delights gardeners with its extended blooming season, showcasing its vibrant flowers from the onset of summer well into autumn.
• Foliage: Its foliage is grass-like and green, offering a neat and tidy backdrop for the bright blooms and contributing to the plant's overall lush appearance.
• Sunlight Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade, with the most prolific blooming occurring in full sun conditions.
• Soil Requirements: Adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, it thrives in well-drained soil and demonstrates good drought tolerance once established.

Uses and Benefits: Hemerocallis 'Ruby Stella' is not only prized for its aesthetic appeal but also for its versatility and low maintenance in the garden. It's an excellent choice for borders, mass plantings, or as a dynamic pop of color in mixed container gardens. The vibrant ruby-red blooms attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding to the garden's ecological diversity. Furthermore, its ability to re-bloom ensures a long season of interest, making it a valuable addition to any garden design.

Companion Plants: Create a stunning garden tapestry by pairing 'Ruby Stella' with plants that offer contrasting colors or textures. Consider companions like Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum superbum) for a classic red-and-white combination, Lavender (Lavandula) for a contrast in form and color, or Silver Mound Artemisia (Artemisia schmidtiana 'Silver Mound') for a soft, textural backdrop that highlights the daylily's vibrant blooms.

Care Instructions: 'Ruby Stella' is delightfully easy to care for, requiring minimal attention to thrive. Water it regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Though drought-tolerant once established, providing occasional water during prolonged dry spells will keep it looking its best. An annual application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring can promote vigorous growth and enhance flowering. Deadheading the spent blooms can encourage re-blooming and maintain a tidy appearance.

History: The Hemerocallis genus, with its diverse and resilient nature, has long been a staple in gardens around the world. 'Ruby Stella' builds on this legacy by offering gardeners a re-blooming variety that combines the traditional hardiness of daylilies with the added allure of deep ruby-red flowers, making it a standout selection in the daylily world.

Final Thoughts: Hemerocallis 'Ruby Stella' is a true gem in the garden, offering a blend of striking beauty, ease of care, and long-lasting appeal. Whether used to anchor a mixed border, brighten up a sunny spot, or attract wildlife, this daylily is sure to captivate and charm gardeners and onlookers alike. Its robust nature and extended blooming period ensure that 'Ruby Stella' remains a focal point of the garden from summer through fall, making it an indispensable addition to any outdoor space.