perennial

Gentle Shepherd Daylily

Hemerocallis 'Gentle Shepherd'

The Story

Plant Bio

Daylilies are tough, adaptable herbaceous perennials known for their trumpet-shaped flowers that typically last only one day. They form dense clumps of arching, grass-like foliage.

'Gentle Shepherd' is a classic and highly-regarded diploid cultivar, famous for being one of the whitest daylilies available, with a pale green throat. It is also known for being a reliable rebloomer.

Uses & Benefits:

'Gentle Shepherd' provides a cool, elegant presence in the summer garden with its pristine, near-white blooms. It's perfect for moon gardens or for providing a calming contrast to more brightly colored perennials.

Daylilies are workhorse perennials, excellent for massing on slopes for erosion control, lining walkways, or filling large beds with low-maintenance color. Their dense foliage helps suppress weeds.

The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Hummingbirds will also visit the trumpet-shaped blooms for nectar.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

29 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Very long-lived perennial

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

Toxic to cats

Bloom period

Early summer – Mid-summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with at least six hours of sun for best flowering.
Prepare well-drained soil by adding compost or other organic matter.
Dig a hole wide enough to spread out the roots.
Create a small mound in the center and set the plant on top.
Ensure the crown is no more than one inch below the soil surface.
Backfill, water thoroughly, and mulch to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

After the first flush of blooms, cut the entire flower scape (stalk) down to the base to encourage reblooming.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply once a week during dry spells.
Remove spent flowers and scapes to promote more blooms and a tidy look.
Divide every 3-5 years to maintain vigor and create more plants.
Mulch in spring to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.

Don't

Do not plant the crown too deep, which can inhibit flowering.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote foliage over flowers.
Don't let clumps become too dense and overcrowded.
Avoid planting if you have cats that may ingest the foliage.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Classic border perennial for continuous summer colorReliable mass planting for slopes and banksBright accent in mixed cottage gardens

Companion Plants

Salvia 'May Night'Echinacea purpurea Perovskia atriplicifolia Nepeta x faassenii Phlox paniculata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Gentle Shepherd Daylily questions

What zones can Gentle Shepherd Daylily grow in?

Gentle Shepherd Daylily is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Gentle Shepherd Daylily deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Gentle Shepherd Daylily, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Gentle Shepherd Daylily bloom?

Gentle Shepherd Daylily typically blooms in early summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Gentle Shepherd Daylily need full sun?

Gentle Shepherd Daylily does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Gentle Shepherd Daylily drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Gentle Shepherd Daylily handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.