The Stella D’oro daylily (Hemerocallis ‘Stella D’oro’) is a workhorse perennial that delivers a prolific and extended bloom period. This dwarf cultivar typically reaches only 9 to 18 inches in height, yet it produces masses of trumpet-shaped, golden-yellow flowers from early summer into fall. The plant’s low-maintenance nature and compact, grassy foliage make it an excellent border or mass planting specimen. Pairing this widely adaptable plant with suitable companions requires a strategy that maximizes the aesthetic contrast in color, texture, and height, transforming a simple daylily bed into a dynamic garden composition.
Environmental Requirements for Successful Pairing
Any plant chosen to accompany the Stella D’oro daylily must share its preference for a sunny, well-drained environment to ensure long-term success. The daylily thrives when receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, which is necessary to fuel its continuous reblooming habit. While it tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, good drainage is non-negotiable, as waterlogged roots can quickly lead to rot. Optimal growth occurs in average soil that is kept consistently moist but never soggy, requiring about one inch of water weekly. Companion plants must therefore be equally sun-loving and forgiving of drier conditions once established, as the daylily is relatively drought-tolerant. Selecting plants that share this cultural profile eliminates the need for segregated watering or soil amendment zones, creating a cohesive and low-maintenance planting scheme.
Specific Pairings for Aesthetic Contrast
Achieving visual contrast is crucial when pairing plants with the bright, solid yellow of the Stella D’oro, and the use of complementary colors like blue and purple creates a vibrant effect. Catmint (Nepeta) is an excellent choice, as its cool blue-to-lavender flowers and soft, gray-green foliage offer a textural and color counterpoint to the daylily’s linear, bright green leaves. Dwarf varieties such as Nepeta ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ or ‘Kitten Around’ are ideal, maturing at a compact 12 to 14 inches and providing a dense, non-flopping mound that blooms continuously in full-sun conditions.
Another powerful contrast comes from the spiky, upright flower forms of perennial Salvia (Salvia nemorosa), which stand in opposition to the daylily’s open, trumpet-shaped blooms. Cultivars like ‘May Night’ or ‘Caradonna’ produce deep purple-blue flower spikes, often on dark stems, that visually anchor the golden-yellow masses. These salvias are mid-height, reaching up to 18 to 24 inches, and their vertical structure perfectly breaks up the mounding habit of the daylily foliage.
For a non-flowering contrast, incorporating plants with deep maroon or burgundy foliage introduces a dark element that makes the yellow blooms appear even brighter. Low-growing Sedum varieties, such as ‘Midnight Velvet’ or ‘Firecracker,’ provide dense, succulent leaves in deep purple-red hues. Similarly, Heuchera (Coral Bells) varieties like ‘Plum Pudding’ offer rich, dark foliage, creating a low, colorful carpet that complements the Stella D’oro’s height and texture without competing with its flowering period.
Plants Used for Height and Structural Interest
The compact size of the Stella D’oro daylily (under two feet) makes it necessary to introduce taller, structural plants to provide vertical dimension and a sense of enclosure. Ornamental grasses offer an airy, fine texture that contrasts beautifully with the daylily’s broad, strappy foliage. Full-sun varieties of Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), such as ‘Hot Rod’ or ‘Shenandoah,’ can reach three to four feet and develop deep burgundy coloring in their foliage by mid-summer, providing a dynamic backdrop of color and movement.
To bridge the height difference between the low daylily clumps and the tall background elements, plants with a strong vertical growth habit are necessary. The spiky flower form of Veronica (Speedwell), particularly cultivars like ‘Sunny Border Blue,’ provides mid-layer texture and color, reaching a height of 18 to 24 inches. For dramatic height and a classic cottage garden feel, the towering spires of Delphinium, such as the Magic Fountains series, can rise three to four feet above the daylilies.
Functional, low-growing plants can also be used to suppress weeds and soften the edges of the daylily bed. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) is a hardy, mat-forming plant that thrives in full sun and rapidly covers open soil with dense, needle-like foliage. Similarly, Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) forms a very low, fragrant, drought-tolerant mat that can be planted between groupings of daylilies or along a border edge.