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Posted 12/22/2022 in Annual

Hemerocallis 'Happy Returns'

Hermerocallis 'Happy Returns': A Gardener’s Delight

Hermerocallis 'Happy Returns', commonly known as daylily 'Happy Returns', is a true gem in the world of perennials. This resilient and versatile plant is a favorite among gardeners for its extended blooming season, low maintenance, and bright, cheerful flowers.

Description of Hermerocallis 'Happy Returns'

The 'Happy Returns' daylily is a compact, deciduous perennial that typically grows 18-24 inches tall and spreads about the same width. The plant boasts long, arching, strap-like leaves that form a lush, green mound, providing an attractive backdrop for its flowers.

The real showstopper, however, is the flower. 'Happy Returns' produces an abundance of bright yellow, trumpet-shaped blooms that measure about 3 inches in diameter. Unlike many other daylilies that have a brief blooming period, 'Happy Returns' is a rebloomer. It begins flowering in late spring and continues to produce waves of blooms throughout the summer, often into early fall. Each individual flower lasts only one day, but the plant's prolific nature ensures a continuous display of color.

Hermerocallis 'Happy Returns' Value in the Landscape

Hermerocallis 'Happy Returns' is highly valued in the landscape for several reasons:

Extended Bloom Period: Its long blooming season adds extended interest to gardens and landscapes.

Versatility: It can be used in various settings, including borders, mass plantings, and as an edging plant. It's also a fantastic choice for container gardening.

Low Maintenance: This daylily is incredibly easy to care for, making it ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Drought Tolerance: Once established, 'Happy Returns' is fairly drought-tolerant, which makes it a great choice for water-wise gardens.

Attracts Pollinators: The bright yellow flowers attract bees and other pollinators, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem.

Interesting Facts About Hermerocallis 'Happy Returns'

  • Origins: 'Happy Returns' is a cultivar developed from the more common and popular daylily, 'Stella de Oro'. It shares the same vigorous growth habits but offers a unique color.
  • Edibility: The flowers of daylilies, including 'Happy Returns', are edible and can be used in salads, stir-fries, or as garnishes. They have a mild, sweet flavor.
  • Symbolism: Daylilies symbolize motherhood and are often associated with the nurturing and sustaining qualities of a mother’s love.
  • Low Pest and Disease Problems: While not completely immune, 'Happy Returns' has fewer pest and disease issues compared to many other perennials. Regular inspection and maintenance can keep common pests like aphids and spider mites at bay.

Hermerocallis 'Happy Returns' is a delightful addition to any garden. Its bright, sunny blooms bring joy and color, while its hardiness and ease of care make it a reliable choice for gardeners looking to create a beautiful and low-maintenance landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, 'Happy Returns' is sure to brighten your garden and your day!

Other Plants You May Be Interested In:

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Endless Summer'

Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit'

About RightPlantz - RightPlantz is your go-to source for all things gardening. RightPlantz grows better gardeners.

Post Details

Latin Name
Hemerocallis 'Happy Returns'
Common Name
Happy Returns Daylily
Planting Zone
Zone 3 Zone 4 Zone 5 Zone 6 Zone 7 Zone 8 Zone 9
Light Condition
Full Sun Part Shade
Special Interest
Attracts Butterflies
Bloom Season
Summer
Flower Color
Yellow
Height
1-1.5 ft
Spread
1-1.5 ft
Suggested Uses
Grouping Edging Shade Garden Cottage Garden Pollinator Garden Perennial Border Woodland Gardens Mass
Potential Pests
Be on the look out for these potential pests and diseases that can effect Hemerocallis 'Happy Returns': Aphids, Spider mites Thrips, Daylily rust (Puccinia hemerocallidis), Crown rot (Sclerotium rolfsii), Leaf streak (Aureobasidium microstictum), Root-knot nematodes, Daylily gall midge, Daylily leafminer

Plant Story

Hermerocallis 'Happy Returns': A Gardener’s Delight

Hermerocallis 'Happy Returns', commonly known as daylily 'Happy Returns', is a true gem in the world of perennials. This resilient and versatile plant is a favorite among gardeners for its extended blooming season, low maintenance, and bright, cheerful flowers.

Description of Hermerocallis 'Happy Returns'

The 'Happy Returns' daylily is a compact, deciduous perennial that typically grows 18-24 inches tall and spreads about the same width. The plant boasts long, arching, strap-like leaves that form a lush, green mound, providing an attractive backdrop for its flowers.

The real showstopper, however, is the flower. 'Happy Returns' produces an abundance of bright yellow, trumpet-shaped blooms that measure about 3 inches in diameter. Unlike many other daylilies that have a brief blooming period, 'Happy Returns' is a rebloomer. It begins flowering in late spring and continues to produce waves of blooms throughout the summer, often into early fall. Each individual flower lasts only one day, but the plant's prolific nature ensures a continuous display of color.

Hermerocallis 'Happy Returns' Value in the Landscape

Hermerocallis 'Happy Returns' is highly valued in the landscape for several reasons:

Extended Bloom Period: Its long blooming season adds extended interest to gardens and landscapes.

Versatility: It can be used in various settings, including borders, mass plantings, and as an edging plant. It's also a fantastic choice for container gardening.

Low Maintenance: This daylily is incredibly easy to care for, making it ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Drought Tolerance: Once established, 'Happy Returns' is fairly drought-tolerant, which makes it a great choice for water-wise gardens.

Attracts Pollinators: The bright yellow flowers attract bees and other pollinators, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem.

Interesting Facts About Hermerocallis 'Happy Returns'

  • Origins: 'Happy Returns' is a cultivar developed from the more common and popular daylily, 'Stella de Oro'. It shares the same vigorous growth habits but offers a unique color.
  • Edibility: The flowers of daylilies, including 'Happy Returns', are edible and can be used in salads, stir-fries, or as garnishes. They have a mild, sweet flavor.
  • Symbolism: Daylilies symbolize motherhood and are often associated with the nurturing and sustaining qualities of a mother’s love.
  • Low Pest and Disease Problems: While not completely immune, 'Happy Returns' has fewer pest and disease issues compared to many other perennials. Regular inspection and maintenance can keep common pests like aphids and spider mites at bay.

Hermerocallis 'Happy Returns' is a delightful addition to any garden. Its bright, sunny blooms bring joy and color, while its hardiness and ease of care make it a reliable choice for gardeners looking to create a beautiful and low-maintenance landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, 'Happy Returns' is sure to brighten your garden and your day!

Other Plants You May Be Interested In:

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Endless Summer'

Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit'

About RightPlantz - RightPlantz is your go-to source for all things gardening. RightPlantz grows better gardeners.

Special Care Instructions

Special Care Instructions for Hemerocallis 'Happy Returns'

Sunlight:

  • Plant in full sun to partial shade. 'Happy Returns' performs best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil:

  • Ensure the soil is well-drained. Slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal.

Watering:

  • Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During dry periods, increase watering to maintain moisture.

Fertilizing:

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins.
  • Fertilize again after the first bloom to encourage continued flowering.

Mulching:

  • Use mulch around the base of the plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Maintain a mulch layer of about 2-3 inches, keeping it away from the crown of the plant to prevent rot.

Deadheading:

  • Remove spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering and to keep the plant looking tidy.
  • Cut the flower stalks down to the base once all the flowers have finished blooming.

Division:

  • Divide clumps every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding and to rejuvenate the plants.
  • The best time to divide is in early spring or immediately after the blooming season.

Pest and Disease Management:

  • Regularly inspect for common pests such as aphids, spider mites, and thrips.
  • Treat any infestations promptly with appropriate insecticides or natural predators.
  • Watch for signs of daylily rust, crown rot, and leaf streak. Remove and destroy affected foliage to prevent spread.
  • Ensure good air circulation around plants to minimize fungal diseases.

Winter Care:

  • In colder climates, apply a thick layer of mulch in late fall to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.
  • Remove the mulch in early spring as new growth begins.

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