Hemerocallis 'Cade Stewart'

A deciduous perennial with a grass-like habit that grows up to 90cm tall.

Red flowers are produced on long stems from late-spring to summer. Leaves are long narrow and green.

Prefers full sun in moist but well-drained soil. Tolerates most soil conditions and are drought, fire, bog, coast and clay-tolerant.

Plant when the soil is moist and warm in autumn or early spring so that a good root system develops to support vigorous new growth. Remove all weeds. Incorporate bark compost or other organic materials. On heavy soils, raise the level of beds and borders with extra topsoil and coarse pumice sand. Before planting, ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball, press in and water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow release fertiliser and then every spring apply an organic fertiliser (such as blood and bone) at a handful per square metre as new growth begins. Planting too closely leads to spindly growth, poor flowering and eventual decline. In a well-planned border, the plants should just touch each other to create a full effect without overcrowding. Plant approximately 50cm apart.

Apply mulch annually to suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Groom plants occasionally during the summer by removing spent flower stalks and dead leaves. Apply organic fertiliser in spring at a handful per square metre. Too much fertiliser may result in leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Cut clumps right back to ground level in late autumn.

Plants may be left undisturbed for two to three years before lifting dividing and replanting. This can be achieved by lifting the plants and putting two garden forks back-to-back through the clump and pushing apart. The resulting clumps should be immediately replanted where they are to flower. If they are left for several years without being divided, they do not perform as well. Dividing not only gives you more plants, but also rejuvenates the plants. Do not disturb plants if they are healthy and flowering well.

Attracts butterflies.

Some rust on older foliage so groom to remove infected foliage. New spring growth is susceptible to slug and snail predation.

Edible Garden