Contessa Daylily (Hemerocallis 'Contessa')

Contessa Daylily

Hemerocallis 'Contessa'

Ruffled blooms unfurl daily like silk tapestries. Repeat-flowering herbaceous perennial; common name: Contessa Daylily.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; produces maximum blooms with 6+ hours of direct daily sunlight; tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates
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Watering Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil feels dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot and fungal growth
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Temperature Cold hardy to -20°C; tolerates summer heat up to 35°C; protect young spring growth from late frost damage
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Linear, arching medium-green foliage forming dense, compact clumps
  • Flower: Ruffled creamy yellow petals with pale pink edges; trumpet-shaped, 10–12 cm diameter, individual blooms last one day
  • Stem: Erect, sturdy scapes bearing 8–12 flower buds per stalk
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist during active growth and blooming periods

Fertilization

Apply balanced organic fertilizer once monthly. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can promote foliage growth over blooms

Banana peel tea:Soak 2-3 chopped banana peels in 1 liter of water for 3 days; strain and drench soil around clumps to deliver slow-release potassium
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms daily to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season
  • Cut back entire foliage clumps to 10 cm height after the first autumn frost
  • Divide overcrowded clumps every 3-4 years in early spring to maintain plant health and bloom quantity
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic; no adverse effects from ingestion

Humans: No known toxic effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental garden plant; cut flower arrangements