Product Description
Hemerocallis 'Happy Returns' Daylily (Apps 1986) (25) Bare Root Plants
An extremely popular and widely used reblooming daylily
- 3", fragrant, canary yellow complete self
- Tepal edges are slightly crimped
- Of 'Stella de Oro' parentage, though flowers are slightly larger and a clear lemon yellow instead of gold
- Blooms profusely in early summer and reblooms sporadically until frost
- Deep green healthy foliage
- Very heat tolerant, but may pause blooming in the hottest parts of summer
- 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 Bloomer, blooming in June.
- Rebloomer, producing a second set of flowers.
- Extended Bloom with flowers staying open at least 16 hours.
- Fragrant flowers.
- Dormant foliage.
- Diploid with 22 chromosomes. Most plants are Diploids.
- Awards: HM '92, MNLA Grower's Choice Award™ '01
Parents: SUSIE WONG X STELLA DE ORO
American Hemerocallis Society Honorable Mention (AHS first stamp of approval) -- 1992
MNLA Grower's Choice Award -- 2001
Missouri Botanical Garden Plants of Merit
Height: 40 Inches
Spread: 18 - 24 inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Yellow shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) to Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Poor to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early Summer, Rebloomer, Long Blooming, Continuous Bloom
Attracts Butterflies and Hummingbirds
Bee Friendly
Rabbit Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Mass Planting, Easy To Grow, Salt Tolerant
Imagine a burst of sunshine in your garden, day after day, from early summer until the first frost kisses the ground. That is the magic of Hemerocallis 'Happy Returns', a delightful daylily that lives up to its name by gracing gardens with repeat blooms and a cheerful disposition. This award-winning variety (HM '92, MNLA Grower's Choice Award™ '01) is a favorite among gardening enthusiasts of all levels, thanks to its vibrant color, extended blooming season, and remarkably easy care.
This captivating daylily cultivar is a true showstopper, boasting vibrant, canary-yellow flowers that are approximately 3 inches in diameter . Each bloom is a miniature masterpiece with slightly crimped tepal edges—tepals are the outer parts of the flower that resemble petals—adding a touch of delicate charm . The foliage, a lush deep green, provides a perfect backdrop for these cheerful blooms and remains healthy throughout the growing season, even in the face of summer's heat.
Hemerocallis 'Happy Returns' is a hybrid of the popular 'Stella de Oro' daylily, but with an added brilliance. Its lemon-yellow flowers are notably brighter than its parent, especially when basking in the warmth of summer . As an early bloomer, 'Happy Returns' heralds the arrival of summer with its first flush of flowers, and as a rebloomer, it continues to surprise and delight with sporadic bursts of color until frost . This extended blooming period ensures a long-lasting display of vibrant color in your garden.
Did you know that 'Happy Returns' is a diploid with 22 chromosomes? This bit of botanical trivia might pique the interest of those fascinated by plant genetics and breeding. And here is another interesting fact: in milder climates, the foliage of 'Happy Returns' may remain evergreen, adding a touch of green to the winter landscape.
Care and Cultivation
One of the reasons 'Happy Returns' is so beloved by gardeners is its incredibly low-maintenance nature. This daylily thrives in a variety of conditions, making it a perfect choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike . While it prefers a spot with full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day), it can also tolerate partial shade . It adapts well to most well-drained soil types and, once established, exhibits remarkable drought tolerance, making it a water-wise choice for your garden.
To ensure your 'Happy Returns' daylily flourishes, provide regular watering, especially during its first year in your garden, to help it establish a strong root system . This daylily is hardy in zones 3-9 , so it can withstand a wide range of temperatures.
Deadheading—removing spent flowers—not only keeps your plants looking tidy but also encourages more blooms to emerge, extending the flowering season . In colder regions, it is beneficial to cut back the foliage to about 6 inches above the ground in late fall. This not only prepares the plant for winter but also promotes vigorous new growth and stronger stems in the following spring.
The cheerful blooms of 'Happy Returns' are not only a feast for the eyes but also a magnet for pollinators. Butterflies and other beneficial insects will flock to your garden, adding to its biodiversity and beauty.
Design Ideas for Hemerocallis 'Happy Returns'
Hemerocallis 'Happy Returns' is a versatile gem that can enhance a variety of garden settings. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller beds and borders, while its vibrant yellow flowers add a cheerful touch to any landscape. Here are some design ideas to spark your creativity:
- Mass Planting: Create a breathtaking spectacle of color by planting a large group of 'Happy Returns' together. Imagine a sea of sunshine yellow that brightens up a dull corner or slopes in your garden.
- Border Plant: Define garden beds and walkways with a neat and colorful border of 'Happy Returns'. Their compact size and long blooming season make them perfect for edging.
- Container Gardening: Bring the beauty of 'Happy Returns' to your patio, balcony, or deck by planting them in containers. This allows you to enjoy their cheerful blooms even in small spaces.
- Mixed Perennial Borders: Combine 'Happy Returns' with other perennials in complementary colors and textures. Imagine the vibrant contrast of these yellow beauties with purple coneflowers, blue salvia, or pink yarrow.
- Rock Gardens: The drought tolerance of 'Happy Returns' makes it a natural choice for rock gardens. Its vibrant blooms will add a splash of color to the often arid landscape.
- Firescaping: 'Happy Returns' is a good choice for firescaping, adding beauty to your garden while also providing a measure of fire resistance.
But the versatility of 'Happy Returns' does not stop there. This remarkable daylily can even thrive in challenging conditions that many other plants would find daunting. It can tolerate polluted city environments, slopes, poor and dry soils, areas near salted pavement, and even the shade of Black Walnut trees.
Hemerocallis 'Happy Returns' is more than just a pretty face; it is a reliable and rewarding addition to any garden. Its vibrant yellow flowers extended blooming season, and exceptional ease of care make it a true gem for gardeners of all skill levels. This low-maintenance daylily thrives in a variety of conditions, from sunny borders to shady corners, and even tolerates harsh urban environments. Its versatility allows it to shine in mass plantings, borders, containers, rock gardens, and even firescaping designs.
If you are looking for a plant that brings long-lasting color, attracts pollinators, and requires minimal effort, look no further than Hemerocallis 'Happy Returns'. Add this cheerful and resilient daylily to your garden and enjoy the beauty it brings year after year.
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!
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Many Happy Returns
Happy Returns were sent promptly, planted easily and is now in bloom six weeks later. No plants lost in the process. Good service and great product.
