perennial

Big Time Happy Daylily

The Story

Plant Bio

Daylilies are rugged, adaptable perennials that produce a succession of trumpet-shaped flowers on leafless stems (scapes) above clumps of arching, grass-like foliage. Each flower lasts only a single day.

'Big Time Happy' is a descendant of the famous 'Happy Returns' daylily, but with larger, 4-inch, lemon-yellow flowers. It is a vigorous rebloomer, flowering from early summer until frost.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a massive burst of reliable, cheerful color with minimal effort. Its extended bloom season makes it a workhorse in the perennial border.

Excellent for erosion control on slopes due to its dense, fibrous root system. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions and is very low-maintenance.

The trumpet-shaped flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and occasionally hummingbirds. They provide a consistent source of nectar.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

20 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Average

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived perennial

Native To

Hybrid (parents from Asia)

Toxicity

Toxic to cats

Bloom period

Early summer – Mid-fall

In flower about 5 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with at least 6 hours of sun daily.
Loosen soil to a depth of 12 inches, adding compost.
Dig a hole wider than the root mass.
Create a small mound in the center of the hole.
Spread roots over the mound, with the crown 1 inch below soil.
Backfill, water thoroughly, and mulch to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

To maximize its reblooming potential, remove the entire flower scape once all its buds have finished blooming to encourage new ones.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first year to establish a deep root system.
Divide clumps every 3-5 years to maintain vigor.
Remove spent flower scapes after blooming is finished.
Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring.

Don't

Don't plant the crown more than one inch deep.
Don't over-fertilize with nitrogen, which promotes leaves over flowers.
Avoid letting weeds compete with the plant, especially when young.
Don't assume they are deer-proof; deer often eat the flower buds.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Reliable river of yellow in a mass plantingLong-blooming performer for perennial bordersTough and cheerful roadside or slope planting

Companion Plants

Salvia 'May Night'Nepeta 'Walker's Low'Perovskia atriplicifolia Coreopsis verticillata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Big Time Happy Daylily questions

What zones can Big Time Happy Daylily grow in?

Big Time Happy Daylily is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Big Time Happy Daylily deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Big Time Happy Daylily, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Big Time Happy Daylily bloom?

Big Time Happy Daylily typically blooms in early summer through mid-fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Big Time Happy Daylily need full sun?

Big Time Happy Daylily does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Big Time Happy Daylily drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Big Time Happy Daylily handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.