Troubleshooting
Daylily 'Rosy Returns' problems — and how to fix them
Daylily 'Rosy Returns' (Hemerocallis 'Rosy 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.
Aphids
Common on emerging scapes; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil and check regularly during the growing season.
Leaf streak
Fungal disease causing tan-brown streaks on leaves; remove affected foliage and water at the base rather than overhead.
Container nutrient deficiency
Pale foliage and poor flowering in pots suggest nutrient depletion; feed more frequently and repot every 2-3 years.
Rust
Powdery orange pustules on leaves during humid summers; apply an appropriate fungicide and remove severely infected leaves.
Slugs and snails
Feed on new spring growth; use iron phosphate pellets or beer traps around the crown, especially in wet springs.
Prevent daylily 'rosy returns' problems before they start
Most daylily 'rosy returns' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Daylily 'Rosy Returns' problems — FAQ
Why is my daylily 'rosy returns' aphids?
Common on emerging scapes; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil and check regularly during the growing season.
Why is my daylily 'rosy returns' leaf streak?
Fungal disease causing tan-brown streaks on leaves; remove affected foliage and water at the base rather than overhead.
Why is my daylily 'rosy returns' container nutrient deficiency?
Pale foliage and poor flowering in pots suggest nutrient depletion; feed more frequently and repot every 2-3 years.
Why is my daylily 'rosy returns' rust?
Powdery orange pustules on leaves during humid summers; apply an appropriate fungicide and remove severely infected leaves.
Why is my daylily 'rosy returns' slugs and snails?
Feed on new spring growth; use iron phosphate pellets or beer traps around the crown, especially in wet springs.