As a gardener or homeowner looking to add some colorful, low-maintenance beauty to your summer landscape, the Stella de Oro daylily should be high on your list. It’s earned its reputation as a popular perennial in North American gardens—and for good reason.

What Is Stella de Oro Daylily?

The Stella de Oro (Hemerocallis ‘Stella de Oro’) is a dwarf daylily that grows to about 10 to 12 inches tall with a similar spread. It bears large, funnel-shaped, bright yellow blooms that are approximately 2.5 inches across. Introduced in the 1970s, Stella de Oro became a favorite for its extended bloom time, disease resistance, and minimal care.

Why Gardeners Love It

1. Blooms Throughout the Summer

Whereas most daylilies bloom for only a few weeks, Stella de Oro’s popularity is due to its extended bloom time. It often starts flowering in late spring and continues to flower through summer and even into fall with proper deadheading. Almost constant blooming means that this plant works well as a foundation plant or border accent.

2. Little to No Care

This perennial truly lives up to the term “plant it and forget it.” It’s hardy in USDA Zones 3 through 10 and tolerates a wide range of soils. It’s drought-tolerant once established and resists pests and diseases. Busy homeowners or novice gardeners will appreciate its low-maintenance nature.

3. Multiple Uses in the Garden

Stella de Oro works well in a variety of garden settings:

Front-of-border planting in flower beds

Mass planting along walkways or driveways

Container gardens for patios and porches

Erosion control on gentle slopes

It has neat, grassy foliage that’s attractive year-round even when not blooming.

What are the best tips for growing Stella de Oro Daylilies?

Sun: Full sun (at least 6 hours per day) will encourage the most blooms. It will do well in partial shade, too.

Soil: Well-drained soil is a must. While tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, it does best in slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Watering: The plant does best with moderate watering. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant but benefits from periodic watering during drought periods.

Deadheading: Remove dead blooms to encourage continued flowering and keep the plant neat.

Dividing: Divide the clumps every 3–4 years in early spring or fall to keep the plants healthy and from becoming overcrowded.

Favorite of Pollinators

Stella de Oro daylily flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a great choice for supporting the local ecosystem. Their bright color and fragrance attract them naturally, so it’s a great choice for pollinator-friendly gardens.


Whether you’re starting a new landscape or adding to an established one, Stella de Oro daylilies provide dependable color, charm, and ease. They brighten borders, pathways, and containers with their sunny blooms from late spring through fall. For gardeners who want performance without much effort, this golden perennial is truly golden—as its name suggests.

Tip: Stella de Oro looks great paired with blue or purple perennials like salvia or catmint in your flower beds.