daylily 'Gentle Shepherd'

Grow in fertile, well drained soil, in areas that will not dry out in summer. Prefers full sun, flowering is likely to be reduced in shadier situations. Water freely from spring to summer. See Hemerocallis cultivation for details.

Cut back flower stems after flowering has finished. Remove dead foliage as required.

Propagate by division in early spring or autumn, at least six weeks before the first frost. Divide every 2-3 years to maintain vigour. Propagate from seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring; cultivars will not come true from seed.

May be susceptible to hemerocallis gall midge, aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and thrips. Slugs and snails may damage young leaves.

Usually tough and reliable but may be susceptible to rust. In climates with alternating winter frosts and thaws, bacterial leaf and stem rot (spring sickness) may be a problem; in areas with high temperatures and high humidity, crown rot may cause damage.