Finally, it's almost spring! Everywhere perennials are emerging from dormancy, thrusting new growth into crisp air and nurturing sunshine. Among the earliest volunteers are the daylilies. When those pointy leaves break ground, you know winter's been vanquished.

Hemerocallis is one of the most durable, adaptable genera you can grow -- hardy from Zones 3 to 10, happy in sun or part shade.

Despite all of the new introductions over the years, two classics varieties remain top choices because of their durability and vigorous bloom cycles.

'Stella de Oro' Walter Jablonski introduced the first repeat-bloomer in 1975, and it quickly became the world's best-known daylily. The American Hemerocallis Society awarded it their highest honor, the Stout Medal. Its bold golden flowers are everywhere. Hemerocallis STELLA DE ORO (10)ct Quarts, STELLA DE ORO (18)ct Flat, or STELLA DE ORO DF (25) plants

'Happy Returns' is a repeat-blooming, compact daylily from world-renowned hybridizer Dr. Darrell Apps. Cheerful flowers in a softer, mellower yellow make it a more refined choice for blending with pastel hues in the garden. HAPPY RETURNS (10)ct Quarts, HAPPY RETURNS (18)ct Flat, or HAPPY RETURNS DF (25) plants