Question
I live in Birmingham Al. (Zone 7) I have been very disappointed with the Stella De Oro day lily. I planted several about five years ago and every year they have multiplied but the so-called "blooming thoughout the summer" does not apply to mine. I get one perfectly good showing, and that's it! I have been reading about another variety called Happy Returns, could you tell me please whether I am likely to have more success repeat blooming with these?

Answer
Hi Patty,
Thanx for your question.  I don't have any experience with Happy Returns but from reading about it, it doesn't sound all that different in blooming habits from Stell D'Oro except it blooms earlier.  I've noticed before that many Stella D'Oros will have a big rush of blooms and then bloom sparely and sporadically until late August or early September.  I think one of the keys is to stop seed production.  The formation of the seed pods, I believe, is slowing down and even halting blooming.  I don't care what the experts say, it seems to me when one deadheads before a pod can be formed the plant keeps producing flowers thinking it has failed to reproduce (make seed).  Try that next season.  After blooming, pinch off the blossom so it can't form a seed pod.  I'll bet you'll get more blooms.  I hope this helps.
Tom