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‘Happy Returns’ daylily

Hemerocallis ‘Happy Returns’

hem-er-oh-KAL-iss Audio

This pale-yellow-flowered daylily distinguishes itself with its profuse bloom and compact size (only 16 inches tall), making it good for containers and the borders. It is an early season bloomer with circular flowers that open in late afternoon and last through the night.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsLight yellow, abundant flowers on a compact plant. This semi-evergreen cultivar has an diurnal extended blooming habit; its blooms remain open from the early morning until the evening, for at least 16 hours. Each flower lasts for only one day.

CareDaylilies are basically sun lovers. They bloom admirably in six hours of sun and will make do with less, but in the North, the more sun they get, the better. In the South, though, they appreciate protection at midday and do best under a high canopy of light shade. While daylilies will grow in ordinary garden soil and are not fussy about pH, they perform magnificently in soils that have been generously amended with organic matter—compost, rotted leaves, or well-aged manure. Moisture is the other key to growing really spectacular daylilies. Although their plump storage roots keep them going in times of drought and guarantee survival, an abundance of water makes all the difference to the quality and quantity of the flowers. Try to provide at least an inch of water a week in the North, more in the South. Mulching plants with shredded leaves or other light organic matter goes a long way toward ensuring moisture retention.

PropagationSow seed in containers in spring or autumn. Divide in spring or autumn.

ProblemsRust, hemerocallis gall midge, aphids, spider mites, thrips. New growth may be damaged by slugs and snails.

  • Genus : Hemerocallis
  • Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
  • Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
  • Zones : 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Uses : Containers, Ground Covers
  • Tolerance : Deer Tolerant, Drought Tolerant
  • Bloom Time : Early Fall, Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Summer
  • Characteristics : Fragrant Flowers
  • Light : Full Sun
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Moisture : Medium Moisture
  • Growth Rate : Moderate
  • Plant Type : Perennials
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
  • Flower Color : Yellow

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