Daylilies are popular garden perennials, celebrated for their vibrant and diverse blooms. The ‘Exotic Starfish’ daylily cultivar stands out with its unique and captivating appearance, which gives the plant its name and widespread appeal.
Understanding ‘Exotic Starfish’ Daylily
The ‘Exotic Starfish’ daylily, Hemerocallis ‘Exotic Starfish’, features a distinctive flower shape with narrow, twisted petals resembling a starfish. Its blooms span about 9 inches (23 cm) across, displaying lavender-pink with a large blue-purple eyezone and a vibrant green throat with a starburst pattern. This cultivar is a mid-season rebloomer, ensuring extended periods of color.
The plant forms a clump of arching, strap-like green leaves, reaching about 35 inches (89 cm) when in flower. It is a deciduous herbaceous perennial, meaning its foliage dies back in colder months and regrows in spring. ‘Exotic Starfish’ thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 10.
Cultivating ‘Exotic Starfish’ Daylily
‘Exotic Starfish’ daylilies thrive in full sun, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While they tolerate some partial shade, flowering may be reduced in shadier locations. These plants are adaptable to various soil types, but prefer rich, well-draining soil with ample organic matter.
When planting, prepare a hole slightly wider and deeper than the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Space plants 1.5 to 3 feet apart for proper growth and air circulation. After placing the plant, backfill the hole, gently tamp down, and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Consistent moisture, about 1 inch per week, is beneficial, especially during establishment and dry spells. Established plants exhibit some drought tolerance. Daylilies require little supplemental fertilizer in well-amended soil, but a balanced granular fertilizer, such as a slow-release 10-10-10 formula, can be applied in early spring to boost performance.
Routine maintenance includes deadheading spent blooms to encourage rebloom and new flowers. Applying a thin layer of organic mulch around the plants retains soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and provides nutrients. In colder climates, foliage can be left through winter for protection, or cut back in autumn.
Propagating ‘Exotic Starfish’ Daylily
Division is the most common method for propagating ‘Exotic Starfish’ daylilies, rejuvenating older plants and increasing stock. The best times for division are in early spring as new growth emerges, or in late summer to early fall after flowering, ideally six weeks before ground freeze. Dividing plants every three to five years maintains vigorous flowering.
To divide, carefully dig up the entire clump, starting six to eight inches away to maintain root ball integrity. Gently pull apart the clump into smaller sections or “fans,” or use two garden forks back-to-back to pry larger clumps apart, reducing root damage. Each division should have roots and a portion of the crown.
After dividing, trim the leaves on each new fan to about five or six inches above the crown to reduce water loss and transplant shock. Replant divisions promptly at the same depth as the original plant, ensuring the crown is level with or just slightly below the soil surface. Water newly planted divisions well to settle the soil.
Addressing Common Issues
‘Exotic Starfish’ daylilies are robust, but can encounter some common problems. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on leaves and flower buds, causing deformation and sticky honeydew. Spider mites, prevalent in hot, dry conditions, cause yellowing and speckling of leaves, sometimes with fine webbing. Thrips are tiny insects that cause streaking on leaves and buds, leading to distorted flowers. Organic control methods include strong water sprays to dislodge pests or insecticidal soap.
Daylilies are susceptible to fungal diseases like daylily rust and leaf streak. Daylily rust presents as yellow to brown streaks and small yellow spots with orange pustules on lower leaf surfaces. Leaf streak causes elongated yellow streaks along the leaf mid-vein, progressing to browning and wilting. Prevention involves good air circulation, watering at the base to keep foliage dry, and promptly removing infected plant debris.
Cultural issues affect performance. Lack of blooms stems from insufficient sunlight, overcrowding, or nutrient deficiencies. Yellowing leaves indicate overwatering, nutrient imbalances, or natural senescence, especially after the main bloom period. Proper drainage, consistent watering, and appropriate fertilization mitigate these issues.