Stella de Oro and Happy Returns daylilies are two popular varieties that share many similarities but also have a key difference in their coloration. Let’s dive into the details to understand the distinctions between these beautiful flowers.
1. Appearance:
– Stella de Oro: This daylily variety features stunning golden yellow blooms that are relatively small in size, typically measuring around 2.75 inches in diameter. The flowers have a trumpet-like shape with six petals and a green throat. The foliage is grass-like and forms dense clumps.
– Happy Returns: Similar to Stella de Oro, Happy Returns daylilies also have trumpet-shaped flowers with six petals and a green throat. However, their color is a lighter and brighter yellow compared to the golden hue of Stella de Oro. The blooms are slightly larger, reaching up to 3.5 inches in diameter. The foliage is also grass-like and forms clumps.
2. Flowering Habit:
– Both varieties are repeat bloomers, meaning they produce multiple flower stalks throughout the growing season. This characteristic makes them fantastic choices for adding continuous color to your garden. They typically begin blooming in early to mid-summer and continue until fall, with intermittent periods of rest between flushes of flowers.
3. Maintenance:
– Stella de Oro and Happy Returns are both low-maintenance daylilies, making them ideal for busy gardeners or those new to gardening. They are known for their adaptability to various soil types and can tolerate both drought and wet conditions to some extent. However, they prefer well-draining soil and perform best in full sun to partial shade.
– These daylilies are relatively pest and disease resistant, requiring minimal intervention. Regular watering, occasional fertilization, and deadheading spent blooms are generally the only maintenance tasks needed.
4. Uses in Landscaping:
– Due to their compact size and continuous blooming, Stella de Oro and Happy Returns are versatile plants that can be used in various landscaping settings. They work well in borders, edging, rock gardens, and containers, adding pops of vibrant color.
– These daylilies also attract butterflies and other pollinators, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden. Their bright blooms can be used in cut flower arrangements to bring indoors and enjoy.
Stella de Oro and Happy Returns daylilies are nearly identical in all aspects except for their color. While Stella de Oro displays a rich golden yellow shade, Happy Returns showcases a lighter and brighter yellow hue. Both varieties offer continuous blooms, low maintenance requirements, and versatility in landscaping. Whether you prefer the warm golden tones or the vibrant lighter yellow, these daylilies are sure to bring beauty and joy to your garden throughout the growing season.
