Product Description
Hemerocallis 'Passionate Returns' PP20002 (Apps-Blew) (25) Bare Root Plants
HAPPY EVER APPSTER™ Daylilies
Common Name: Daylily
(AKA ‘Dynamite Returns’) From renowned daylily breeder Darrel Apps comes what he considers his best overall quality rebloomer to date. An everblooming daylily, ‘Passionate Returns’ blooms for about 3½ months beginning in mid-June in zone 7 or early July in zone 5. 4”, rosy red, ruffled flowers have perfect form. Flowers are held just at the top of the foliage, with multiple branched scapes and lots of buds to make it extremely floriferous in the landscape. Its short stature and continuous flower show makes this the perfect daylily for growing at the front of the border and in containers.
Daylilies can survive many harsh conditions that other plants cannot including: polluted city environments, slopes, poor and dry soils, near pavement that is salted in winter, and under Black Walnut trees (not affected by juglone).
- Early Midseason Bloomer, blooming in early July.
- Rebloomer, producing a second set of flowers.
- Fragrant flowers.
- Semi-Evergreen foliage.
- Diploid with 22 chromosomes.
Parentage: (Romantic Returns × Red Hot Returns)
Height: 17 Inches
Spread: 18.0-24.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Red shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Poor to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Midsummer, Rebloomer, Continuous Bloom
Attracts Butterflies and Hummingbirds
Bee Friendly
Rabbit Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant
Hemerocallis 'Passionate Returns' daylily is a stunning variety that captures the hearts of gardeners with its vibrant blooms and remarkable resilience. Bred by renowned daylily hybridizer Darrel Apps, this cultivar is also known as 'Dynamite Returns' and is considered one of his best reblooming daylilies. This daylily is a true standout, offering a captivating combination of beauty, hardiness, and versatility. This article explores the characteristics, growing conditions, and companion planting options that make this daylily a favorite among gardening enthusiasts.
Characteristics The Hemerocallis 'Passionate Returns' daylily is a semi-evergreen, fragrant perennial that boasts rosy-red to rose-pink, ruffled flowers with a perfect form and a yellow throat. The flowers, measuring approximately 4 inches wide, emerge on multiple branched scapes with an abundance of buds, creating a captivating floral display. The deep green, graceful foliage forms well-behaved, spreading clumps that mature to a width of 18 to 24 inches, adding to the plant's visual appeal. This cultivar is a diploid with 22 chromosomes. It is the result of a cross between 'Romantic Returns' and 'Red Hot Returns'.
This daylily is an early midseason bloomer, typically flowering in early July. It is also a rebloomer, producing a second set of flowers later in the season, extending the enjoyment of its vibrant blooms. The flowers are not only visually appealing but also emit a mild fragrance, attracting butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds to the garden.
Bloom Time The Hemerocallis 'Passionate Returns' daylily typically blooms for an impressive 3½ months. In zone 7, it begins blooming in mid-June, while in zone 5, it starts flowering in early July. Gardeners in zone 7 have reported blooms lasting as long as 3 1/2 months, highlighting the exceptional performance of this cultivar in that region. The exact bloom time may vary depending on the specific growing conditions and climate. Each flower lasts for about 16 hours, providing a full day of beauty before giving way to new blooms.
Growing Conditions The Hemerocallis 'Passionate Returns' daylily is known for its adaptability and resilience. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9 and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. While it prefers full sun, it can also tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
This daylily is not particular about soil type and can grow in normal, clay, or acidic soil. It prefers well-drained soil with moderate moisture but can tolerate dry conditions once established. It is important to provide ample water while young plants are becoming established. Plants can be deadheaded for cosmetic purposes.
The Hemerocallis 'Passionate Returns' daylily is also tolerant of urban pollution, salt, and juglone, a substance produced by black walnut trees that can inhibit the growth of other plants. This makes it an excellent choice for challenging growing environments.
It grows at a medium rate and, under ideal conditions, can be expected to live for approximately 10 years.
To overwinter the plant, trim it back to 2 inches late in the season. If done too early, regrowth will occur. Cover with protective frost cloth if placed outside in a cold frame. Provide ventilation whenever temperatures rise above 40° F.
Potential pests include aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Crown rot sometimes occurs after overwintering. Cool, wet weather may bring on fusarium or rhizoctonia. There are also a few leaf spot and leaf streak foliage diseases that may be found.
Overall, the Hemerocallis 'Passionate Returns' daylily appears to be a popular choice among gardeners, with many praising its beauty, performance, and adaptability.
Companion Plants The Hemerocallis 'Passionate Returns' daylily's rosy-red blooms and green foliage provide a versatile backdrop for various companion plants. Here are some suggestions for creating stunning combinations:
| Companion Plant | Color | Benefits/Features |
| Coreopsis 'Hot Paprika' | Orange | Complements the red hues of the daylily, adds warmth. |
| Echinacea 'Orange You Awesome' | Orange | Contrasting color and texture, dynamic visual interest. |
| Heuchera 'Timeless Night' | Dark Purple | Adds depth and contrast. |
| Leucanthemum 'Banana Cream II' | Creamy White | Soft contrast, touch of elegance. |
| Monarda 'Rockin' Raspberry' | Raspberry | Vibrant pop of color attracts pollinators. |
| Phlox 'Opening Act White' | White | Clean contrast, delicate touch. |
| Amsonia 'String Theory' | Blue | Contrasting color, airy texture. |
| Echinacea 'PowWow White' | White | Classic companion attracts pollinators. |
| Leucanthemum 'Cream Puff' | White | Abundant blooms, long-lasting. |
| Monarda 'Electric Neon Coral' | Coral | Vibrant color echo attracts pollinators. |
| Salvia 'Bumblesky' | Blue | Vertical accent, long blooming season. |
| Veronica 'White Wands' | White | Upright form contrasts with daylily foliage. |
Other companion plants to consider include:
- Yarrow (Achillea): Offers a variety of colors and textures.
- Lavender (Lavandula): Adds fragrance and a contrasting color.
- Baby's Breath (Gypsophila): Provides airy texture and delicate blooms.
- Gayfeather (Liatris): Offers vertical accents and attracts pollinators.
- Russian Sage (Perovskia): Creates a striking contrast with its blue flowers.
- Caryopteris: Offers blue flowers and attracts bees.
- Shasta Daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum): Provides classic white blooms and a long blooming season.
- Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata): Offers fragrant flowers in a variety of colors.
When selecting companion plants, consider the color, texture, and height of the plants to create a balanced and visually appealing garden design. For certain companion plants, such as hardy geraniums, bellflowers, and penstemon, consider using dwarf varieties of daylilies for the best effect.
The Hemerocallis 'Passionate Returns' daylily is a truly exceptional cultivar that lives up to its name. Its vibrant, fragrant blooms, long bloom time, and remarkable adaptability make it a standout choice for gardeners of all levels. This daylily thrives in a variety of conditions, tolerates harsh environments, and offers a wide range of companion planting possibilities. With its captivating beauty and easy care, the 'Passionate Returns' daylily is sure to be a cherished addition to any garden, bringing years of enjoyment and vibrant color.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
