Question
QUESTION: My stella doras are 3 years old and are getting bigger (tall and wider)each year.  I want to control how big they get without digging them out.  Can I trim them down once they have started to grow without hurting the plant?  They are about 2 inches high now.
I have them planted in groups of 2 or 3 around the yard.

ANSWER: Hi David,
Thanx for your question.  Stella d'oro daylilies grow to 18-24 inches tall at the maximum.  Don't trim or cut them until fall and then cut them in fan-like patterns like one does iris.  These plants need their green foliage to gather energy from the sun to store in their thick rhizomes for next year's bloom and growth.  You'll need to dig the clumps up every three or four years or so as they will crowd each other out and slow down or stop blooming.  Dig the clumps up, separate the rhizomes and plant them elsewhere or give away to friends and neighbors.  I hope this helps.
Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Tom - when is the best time to dig up and seperate without hurting the plant.

Answer
Hi David,
Thanx for your question.  Now, in the early Spring would be fine.  Also, at the end of the growing season, around September.  Basically, they're pretty tough and you can dig them up most any time if necessary but now is best.  I hope this helps.
Tom