Sale
Sold out
Ornamental nursery plant
Asphodelaceae
Ornamental perennial plants
Daylily
Hemerocallis
Daylily 'Happy Returns'. The clear lemon-yellow flowers are fragrant, with gently crimped edges, carried on a low-growing clump that is suitable for a nearby garden display. This presentation deserves a clear view from the path. Use arching leaves to soften a path edge or connect plants with more upright forms. Flower markings reward a close view, while a mass of one colour can be appreciated from a distance. Place plant accents where they can be appreciated, then arrange surrounding volumes around them. Repeating one selection can connect different sections of a border, while an individual specimen can provide a visual focal point. Compare foliage textures as carefully as flower colours. Consider the scene before, during and after flowering. Observe the planting from its main viewpoints before moving a specimen.
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
- Life cycle
- Perennial
- Hardiness
- Zone 2–9 (USDA)
Discover the plant
Common nameDaylily
FamilyAsphodelaceae
GenusHemerocallis
CultivarHappy Returns
TypeOrnamental nursery plant
Botanical nameHemerocallis
Daylily 'Happy Returns'. The clear lemon-yellow flowers are fragrant, with gently crimped edges, carried on a low-growing clump that is suitable for a nearby garden display. This presentation deserves a clear view from the path. The clump's leaves also contribute between flowers, provided neighbours do not cover its developing foliage in the border. Its botanical name is Hemerocallis 'Happy Returns'. The genus belongs to the Asphodelaceae family. Its foliage shows dark green tones between periods of flowering. Flower scapes reach approximately 35–40 cm (13.8–15.7 in). Consider the scene before, during and after flowering. Treat the flowering period as a seasonal reference rather than a guaranteed date.
Choose an exposure of full sun to partial shade for this selection. Choose well-drained ground that retains some moisture during growth. For a potted plant, moisten the root ball and settle the roots without forcing them into an overly narrow hole. Keep the crown close to its previous growing level. During establishment, the original root ball can dry out even when surrounding soil looks moist. Daylilies do not need their foliage forced into growth at any cost. Mulch can reduce weeds and moderate moisture changes, but it does not replace checking the soil. For a nursery plant already growing in a container, moisten the root ball before removing the pot.
Lilies in the genus Lilium and daylilies in the genus Hemerocallis are dangerous to cats. Use arching leaves to soften a path edge or connect plants with more upright forms. Compact selections can make a patio display when given a stable container with drainage. The flowers attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Place plant accents where they can be appreciated, then arrange surrounding volumes around them. Plan the planting around mature spread rather than the small size of the purchased plant. Assess the combination across the seasons: neighbours must remain compatible when their roots and foliage actually occupy the bed, not just when small pots are first arranged.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Best planting time
Spring in thawed, workable soil; early autumn only when enough time remains for rooting before cold weather.
Propagation
Division: spring or fall
Growing method
For daylily planting, prepare the site first and position the nursery root ball with care. For a potted plant, moisten the root ball and settle the roots without forcing them into an overly narrow hole. Keep the crown close to its previous growing level. Leave space between clumps to reach the soil and remove finished scapes without crushing the leaves of adjacent plants. Choose an exposure of full sun to partial shade for this selection. For a nursery plant already growing in a container, moisten the root ball before removing the pot. Prepare a hole wide enough to accommodate the roots without compressing them. Return the plant to its previous growing level unless its genus requires a specific adjustment, then settle soil around the root ball. Water to bring roots and soil into contact, and subsequently check moisture within the root ball itself. During establishment, the original root ball can dry out even when surrounding soil looks moist. Check both areas, especially after light rain or windy weather. Water slowly enough for moisture to enter the soil rather than run off its surface. As roots explore the surrounding ground, adjust watering to actual moisture and weather conditions. Mulch can reduce weeds and moderate moisture changes, but it does not replace checking the soil. Adapt mulch to the planting site and the genus’s requirements. The watering interval should change with root development instead of following a fixed calendar.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Acidic, neutral or alkaline
Care level
Easy
Drought tolerance
Yes
Watering
Plan daylily watering around actual root-zone moisture, then reassess after rain or changes in the weather. During establishment and bud development, check moisture within the root ball. Water at ground level to moisten roots without knocking flowers down. Light rain may not be enough beneath dense foliage. Adjust applications once roots occupy surrounding soil and the weather turns cooler, always checking before adding more water. Account for the rain that actually reaches the planting, along with heat and wind. Avoid repeated small applications to soil that is already wet, and adapt your care to the moisture conditions that suit this plant.
Soil type
Consider daylily soil requirements when choosing a site, checking soil structure and drainage before planting. Choose well-drained ground that retains some moisture during growth. Prepare the ground around the planting hole as well, so roots can explore the neighbouring area as the clump develops. Check how the soil behaves after prolonged rain. A dry-looking surface does not guarantee that roots have enough air below it. Prepare the surrounding root zone rather than filling a small hole with a sharply different material. Avoid a pocket that stays saturated when the plant requires free drainage.
Fertilization
Approach daylily fertilization through soil needs and plant growth rather than repeatedly adding products without checking the garden. Daylilies do not need their foliage forced into growth at any cost. Assess soil fertility and the condition of the clump before feeding. Use the fertilizer's directions to determine an appropriate application. Excess fertilizer cannot replace the light and moisture required while flower buds develop on the scapes. Assess soil fertility before adding fertilizer. Follow the directions for the chosen fertilizer rather than increasing the dose to force faster growth.
Moisture
Dry to moist soil depending on conditions
Seasonal care
Organize daylily seasonal care around the plant, its root zone and the changing conditions of the garden. Remove spent flowers to keep the clump tidy, then cut a scape only when its remaining buds have finished. Retain healthy leaves while they are active. In spring, locate renewed growth before working close to the crown. Remove debris that obstructs new shoots while respecting the genus’s care requirements. Inspect drainage after snowmelt, and check the crown and roots if growth appears abnormal. Weed carefully: deep cultivation around an established perennial can damage roots that already extend through the bed. Let actual growth and soil conditions guide the timing of maintenance. During summer, observe how foliage responds to heat and check moisture before intervening. Newly planted specimens deserve particular attention. Retain healthy leaves that are still supporting growth. After a storm, inspect stems, any support ties and the way rain has reached the root ball rather than assuming the planting was watered thoroughly. In autumn, adapt cleanup to plant health and the way the plant grows. Green leaves should not be removed simply because flowering has ended. Diseased foliage needs different handling from healthy stems retained for their silhouette. Mark crowns before above-ground growth disappears, and avoid soil work that could damage them during dormancy. The appropriate cleanup date follows plant development and local conditions rather than a fixed calendar. Through winter, avoid water accumulating around the crown and unnecessary work on frozen or saturated ground. For a Canadian garden, compare the indicated hardiness rating with the rating system used locally and with the actual planting conditions. American USDA ratings are not automatically equivalent to Canadian zones. Snow cover, wind, drainage and site exposure all contribute to assessing whether a planting position and its winter protection are suitable.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
Use a free-draining container slightly larger than the rootball; increase its size as the roots develop.
For daylily container care, assess the growing medium and roots alongside the site and drainage. Compact selections can make a patio display when given a stable container with drainage. Leave enough room for arching leaves and access to the root ball. Potted roots are more exposed to cold; arrange their overwintering before the surrounding garden soil freezes and moving the container becomes difficult. Choose a stable container with drainage openings and enough room to accommodate the root ball without compressing it. The openings must allow water to escape freely. Use a growing medium suited to the required drainage and moisture, and keep the root ball accessible for routine checks. Leave room for foliage to develop without blocking access, and adjust the container when the roots become too tightly confined. In a pot, the water and nutrient reserve is limited to the volume of growing medium. Check moisture more often during heat and wind without assuming that daily watering is appropriate. Water should moisten the root ball and then drain freely. Adjust feeding to observed needs and the directions for the product being used. Also check that any other plants sharing the container accept the same exposure and watering regime. Prepare for winter before any prolonged ground freezing. Roots in a container standing above ground are more exposed to cold than roots planted in the garden. For a plant already hardy in your region, temporarily sinking the container into well-drained ground can protect the root ball. That protection does not make a tender plant hardy.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
20 inches (51 cm)
Width / spread
24 inches (61 cm)
Flower color
Clear lemon yellow
Foliage color
Dark green
Foliage type
Deciduous; winter dormant
Growth rate
Moderate
Growth habit
Clump of strap-shaped leaves with upright scapes
Fragrance
Fragrant
Bloom period
Observe daylily bloom time together with plant growth, remembering that site conditions affect the flowering calendar seen in the garden. The flowers are clear lemon yellow. Treat that later flush as an additional display rather than a guarantee of flowers every day. Treat the flowering period as a seasonal reference rather than a guaranteed date. Weather, exposure and the stage of establishment can shift the start or duration of the display. Watch developing buds and open flowers when deciding how to maintain the plant. Reblooming varieties may produce another flush, with intensity varying according to establishment and weather.
Harvest
Cut flowering stems for bouquets; decorative use.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Choose daylily companion plants for compatible site conditions and available space, rather than flower colour alone. In well-drained ground, combine daylilies with hardy geraniums, coneflowers or grasses whose light and watering needs are compatible. Contrasting leaves keep the border interesting between flowering waves. Choose neighbours that will not cover the scapes, and retain access for tidying each clump without bending flowers or trampling surrounding roots. Choose companions by exposure, moisture, drainage and mature spread, then check those requirements for the particular varieties selected. Give each specimen the space it needs and retain watering access. Consider the scene before, during and after flowering. Assess the combination across the seasons: neighbours must remain compatible when their roots and foliage actually occupy the bed, not just when small pots are first arranged.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
How to grow Happy Returns daylily in Canada?
Choose an exposure of full sun to partial shade for this selection. Choose well-drained ground that retains some moisture during growth. Daylilies adapt to different soils, but a root ball sitting in a saturated pocket cannot benefit from that flexibility. Prepare the ground around the planting hole as well, so roots can explore the neighbouring area as the clump develops. Observe the proposed planting site at different times of day before digging. Light changes with trees, buildings and the season. A position that looks attractive from the patio also needs to stay accessible when neighbouring plants reach their mature size. Plan the planting around mature spread rather than the small size of the purchased plant. Leave access to reach specimens in the middle of the bed. Allow foliage to develop without being pressed against edging or buried beneath a more vigorous neighbour.
How should I water Happy Returns daylily?
During establishment and bud development, check moisture within the root ball. Water at ground level to moisten roots without knocking flowers down. Light rain may not be enough beneath dense foliage. Direct water towards the root zone rather than over flowers and leaves. Check soil moisture before adding more: wilted foliage alone cannot distinguish drought from a root problem. Account for the rain that actually reaches the planting, along with heat and wind. During establishment, the original root ball can dry out even when surrounding soil looks moist. Check both areas, especially after light rain or windy weather. Water slowly enough for moisture to enter the soil rather than run off its surface. As roots explore the surrounding ground, adjust watering to actual moisture and weather conditions. The watering interval should change with root development instead of following a fixed calendar.
How should I care for Happy Returns daylily during flowering?
The flowers are clear lemon yellow. Flowering occurs during early summer; possible rebloom; its timing varies with the weather and the stage of plant establishment. A scape carries several buds that open gradually, so remove an individual spent flower without immediately cutting the whole stem. Reblooming varieties may produce another flush, with intensity varying according to establishment and weather. Treat that later flush as an additional display rather than a guarantee of flowers every day. Treat the flowering period as a seasonal reference rather than a guaranteed date. Weather, exposure and the stage of establishment can shift the start or duration of the display. Watch developing buds and open flowers when deciding how to maintain the plant. When the plant’s appearance changes, examine its growing environment first. A buried crown, dry root ball and saturated soil call for different responses.
Can I grow Happy Returns daylily in a container?
Compact selections can make a patio display when given a stable container with drainage. Leave enough room for arching leaves and access to the root ball. Potted roots are more exposed to cold; arrange their overwintering before the surrounding garden soil freezes and moving the container becomes difficult. Choose a stable container with drainage openings and enough room to accommodate the root ball without compressing it. The openings must allow water to escape freely. Use a growing medium suited to the required drainage and moisture, and keep the root ball accessible for routine checks. Prepare for winter before any prolonged ground freezing. Roots in a container standing above ground are more exposed to cold than roots planted in the garden. For a plant already hardy in your region, temporarily sinking the container into well-drained ground can protect the root ball. That protection does not make a tender plant hardy.
How should I plan Happy Returns daylily winter care in Canada?
Through winter, avoid water accumulating around the crown and unnecessary work on frozen or saturated ground. For a Canadian garden, compare the indicated hardiness rating with the rating system used locally and with the actual planting conditions. American USDA ratings are not automatically equivalent to Canadian zones. Prepare for winter before any prolonged ground freezing. Roots in a container standing above ground are more exposed to cold than roots planted in the garden. That protection does not make a tender plant hardy. Choose shelter with suitable conditions when a selection cannot overwinter outdoors in your local climate. Remove spent flowers to keep the clump tidy, then cut a scape only when its remaining buds have finished. Retain healthy leaves while they are active. If a clump becomes crowded, division can create room for new shoots; water the divided plants carefully while they establish in their new positions.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Reported toxicity
Yes
Supporting wildlife
The flowers attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. To watch these garden visits, keep a clear and unobstructed view of the flowers from an accessible path. Sightings change with weather, the progress of flowering and the activity of animals already present. Follow the flowers as they open, leaving room to observe them without stepping on the plant’s roots.
For your perennials and grasses
The right extras.Right here.
Flower and Bloom Fertilizer
Shop the collection
Hand Tools
Shop the collection
