Troubleshooting
Daylily 'Red Hot Returns' problems — and how to fix them
Daylily 'Red Hot Returns' (Hemerocallis 'Red Hot Returns') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Colour fading
Red pigments fade in intense afternoon sun; light afternoon shade or watering during heat peaks helps maintain vivid colour on open blooms.
Aphids
Feed on tender scapes in spring and early summer; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil as soon as infestations are detected.
Leaf streak
Fungal streaking on leaves; remove affected material, improve airflow, and avoid overhead irrigation.
Reduced rebloom
Often results from overcrowded clumps or insufficient nutrients; divide every 3-4 years and feed regularly throughout the season.
Spider mites
Cause leaf stippling in hot, dry weather; spray foliage with water to increase humidity or treat with neem oil or an appropriate miticide.
Prevent daylily 'red hot returns' problems before they start
Most daylily 'red hot returns' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Daylily 'Red Hot Returns' problems — FAQ
Why is my daylily 'red hot returns' colour fading?
Red pigments fade in intense afternoon sun; light afternoon shade or watering during heat peaks helps maintain vivid colour on open blooms.
Why is my daylily 'red hot returns' aphids?
Feed on tender scapes in spring and early summer; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil as soon as infestations are detected.
Why is my daylily 'red hot returns' leaf streak?
Fungal streaking on leaves; remove affected material, improve airflow, and avoid overhead irrigation.
Why is my daylily 'red hot returns' reduced rebloom?
Often results from overcrowded clumps or insufficient nutrients; divide every 3-4 years and feed regularly throughout the season.
Why is my daylily 'red hot returns' spider mites?
Cause leaf stippling in hot, dry weather; spray foliage with water to increase humidity or treat with neem oil or an appropriate miticide.