Pandora’s Box Daylily
$19.99 each, 3 for $54.99
Out of stock
4″ bloom, 19″ tall, Early-Mid Season + rebloom, Evergreen
‘Pandora’s Box’ daylily is one of our most popular varieties. Beloved for its smaller size and striking color combination, its pale cream blooms with a deep purple eye are a good fit for the front of the bed or border. Good rebloom and growth make ‘Pandora’s Box’ an easy choice.
Back Draft is one of five daylilies in our The Eyes Have It collection. If you love eyed daylilies, you need this collection!
4″ bloom, 19″ tall, Early-Mid Season + rebloom, Evergreen
Additional information
| Color | |
|---|---|
| Bloom Size | |
| Height | |
| Bloom Season | |
| Foliage Types | |
| Hybridizer | |
| Awards | Award of Merit, Annie T. Giles Award for small flowers |
| Zone Range | 3 to 9 |
| Bloom Period | |
| Shipping Season | |
| Sun Exposure | |
| Soil Type |
WHAT DAYLILIES CAN I GROW: Most of you can grow any of the daylilies we sell. If you live in an area with a sustained cold period like we do in East Tennessee, you can grow all the varieties. However, If you live in an area that doesn’t get freezing weather in the winter (like zones 9 and 10), dormant varieties won’t work for you; you’ll need to choose evergreen or semi-evergreen varieties.
BIG PLANTS! When it comes to daylily plants, bigger is better! All of the plants we ship will be three fans or larger — two or three times (or more) what you might receive from other companies. Larger plants get established faster and bloom more quickly!
FARM-FRESH TO YOU! All of your plants will be freshly dug when you order. The leaves are trimmed and the plants are washed and air-dried. Your daylilies will be out of the ground less than 48 hours before they’re headed your way.
BONUS DAYLILIES: We send free daylilies (we call them “bonus” daylilies) with every order. These daylilies are equal to about 20% of your order and are the same huge, healthy plants we sell. Just leave the decision up to us and we’ll pick something you’re sure to love!
ABOUT US: Oakes Daylilies is a family-owned daylily farm that’s been in business for three generations. Our daylilies grow in home gardens, city parks and botanical gardens across the nation– including Hawaii and Canada. We are known in the industry as Daylily Experts and grow over 1000 varieties of daylilies on nearly 70 acres in East Tennessee. But over 50 years ago, we started just like you—with one daylily in a home garden.
[email protected] (verified owner) –
If you are looking for a smaller lily to place in front of your beds, check this one out. The blooms are a pretty cream color with a lovely purple eye zone that is very striking. Highly recommend!
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
whitetiger5810 –
I’ve owned Pandora’s Box for decades and it is a beautiful cream to white purple eyed daylily that has done very well in zone 7 of Greenville SC and later it performed just as well in the colder winters and 100 degree heat of Oklahoma City when I lived there. While listed as evergreen foliage it can handle cold winters. The blooms are not as large as some varieties but the color is striking, varying from cream to almost white depending on weather. I had good all around performances from this flower and look forward to ordering some for my new garden here in western Tennessee. I highly recommend.
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Tara Alfonso (verified owner) –
I purchased several daylilies from Oakes this year for the first time. I am very happy with little Pandora’s Box!!! Unlike her name she hasn’t caused me any trouble but only put herself to work right away in the garden! She gave me two stalks right away so I could see how pretty she was. I’m in zone 4, central Wisconsin, so I didn’t expect, nor did I get any rebloom but last night when I checked on her I realized she had grown into 3 very good sized clumps. So next year I am looking forward to seeing what she does! The quality of all the plants I received was awesome!!!
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Tara Alfonso (verified owner) –
I purchased several daylilies from Oakes this year for the first time. I am very happy with little Pandora’s Box!!! Unlike her name she hasn’t caused me any trouble but only put herself to work right away in the garden! She gave me two steaks right away so I could see how pretty she was. I’m in zone 4, central Wisconsin, so I didn’t expect, not did I get any rebloom but last night when I checked on her I realized she had grown into 3 very good sized clumps. So next year I am looking forward to seeing what she does! The quality of all the plants I received was awesome!!!
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
bcnygren (verified owner) –
Bought x3 in 2020 to go with purple de oro. In 2021, plants, no flowers. In 2022, used Oakes fertilizer, 2 out of 3 plants have minimal flowers (1 scape each) which are very pretty. None of the plants are doing very well, the one without flowers is in what I consider a prime location . Zone 6a.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (1) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Patricia Pflaumer (verified owner) –
Pandora’s Box is a sweet daylily. It is small and looks good in the middle or front of a garden. The blooms are strong. The eye and throat color with the cream petals is beautiful.
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Rona Pape (verified owner) –
Very happy with them! They add the perfect pop of color and contrast to my garden!
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Amy Yildizli (verified owner) –
Had my first blooms on this and I’m in love. Will definitely add more of this beauty next year to a new bed we’re creating.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Robert Tucker (verified owner) –
The photos do not do this beauty justice. When they first open they look like hand painted flowers and have a glow about them. I have mine in a bed with repeat blooming reds and they never fail to get the attention of anyone passing by.
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
C Jeffrey Mc Lean (verified owner) –
I’ve bought Pandora’s box more than once and have it throughout my garden. While it’s not as big or tall as some other daylilies, it’s consistently beautiful. I was attracted by the contrasting white and purple, and this one never disappoints. It has a long bloom period in my Zone 7a garden, with full sun and a mountain elevation.
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Carrie Meyers (verified owner) –
I love this cute violet. I had one in KY and now one in Iowa. She does beautiful in both states. She is a high light in the front of my garden bed
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Pat Coyle (verified owner) –
The Reds, Yellows and Purple colors are bright and Bold…But this beauty just stands there with it’s royal presence. It’s beautiful white robe with the soft purple core, then softened by the peaceful yellow center. You know it is royal by the way it pulls you in. there is always a place in your garden for :Pandora’s Box.” Mine bloomed the first year!
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Debra Winch –
Pandora’s box is a heavy bloomer. Every year.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Carrie Meyers (verified owner) –
Pandora’s box moved with me from KY to Iowa and doing just as good here in Iowa as she did in KY probably better. She sits in the front of my garden and is a joy to see bloom again and again
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Karen Fredericks (verified owner) –
This is a stunning little gem. I received the plants in early summer. Their bloom was unique & a perfect compliment to the rest of garden’s blues & yellow blooms. After three months they have tripled in clump size. They are in full afternoon sun in a location that is in south Texas-zone 8b-so I’d say they don’t mind the heat.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Judy Lucas (verified owner) –
I can no longer get down to plant in the groubd,so mine are all in pots. The flower in this was so big as well as beautiful. Their plants ARE truly bigger than others ! Sometimes 1 almost looks like 2. Live in zone 10, so we truly get a lot of sun.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Bonnie (verified owner) –
I love my Pandora’s Box daylilies and can’t resist ordering more. My Siloam June Bug looks great in front of them: a great pairing!
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
thefantasticdontastic –
Have had Pandora’s Box for years and it blooms well in sun or shade. I have mostly shade and my blooms are more ivory or very pale yellow and they are quite pretty. A garden standout who always gets comments from visitors. zone 3 Wis
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Kim (verified owner) –
30114 bloom color matches the photo in my zone 7 clay soil. Some daylilies perform just as well in part sun… this one best in full sun. My crepe myrtles had started to shade these over time, didn’t realize what I had been missing until I moved one to a full sun bed.
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
peggy412 (verified owner) –
My first Oakes Daylilies
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
tetiana.markova (verified owner) –
I got few Pandora boxes and they are looks like very healthy. They were planted according instruction and now I see they are growing.
It is my second experience with Pandora boxes. Previous were bought from another online provider and I was worried to get died plants again. But everything is ok and I am waiting for blooming! 🙂
Also thank you for a gift! It is also healthy and should be pretty 🙂
Tetiana
Upvote if this was helpful (2) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Pandora's Box
[email protected] –
Pandora’s Box showing it’s whiter tone today in morning shade.
I usually like the large showy blossoms but this smaller girl always stops me as I walk thru my garden. Whether in sun or partial shade, she dependably gives me lots of blooms. I left her behind in the mountains of Utah but will definitely be replacing her when I get settled in the southeast. She definitely gets 5 stars
Upvote if this was helpful (3) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Victoria Whitesell-Clark –
This daylily has exceeded all my expectations. It’s grown so quickly and bloomed so prolifically this summer it outdid every other daylily I own. Attractive, fragrant, a treasure!
Upvote if this was helpful (2) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Patricia Bartlett –
My Pandora’s box doesn’t show until late int he season (northwest NC) and it is very pretty if in the midst of purple and white. It is isn’t a “big” but it presents well. It doesn’t have lots of stems at our house but we enjoy them while we can. I probably will move mine next year to get the dark beauty of Night Wings or Jungle Beauty or Dominic. I think it will look better surrounded by there. But is is lovely. I think I don’t have it in the right place.
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Teresa Maxey (verified owner) –
Blooms galore. It might be small but what a show off!!
Upvote if this was helpful (2) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Missy Soule (verified owner) –
This daylily is not as pretty as my other daylilies. I planted it last Fall and I am not impressed.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (2) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Virginia Cioffletti (verified owner) –
I love Pandora’s Box. I left it at my last home and planted it again here. I now need to move it, because a tree has grown enough to put it in shade, but PB just keeps blooming! Hardy in my WI garden, no problem!
Upvote if this was helpful (3) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
VERY PRETTY
Debby Hood (verified owner) –
PANDORA’S BOX
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Lindsey (verified owner) –
Pandora’s Box has been planted for almost 2 years now, and it has been the best performing daylily I have, especially for the price. Multiple scapes and countless buds cover it with very nice flowing foliage. I should be able to divide it into about 4 nice clumps in the fall. You won’t be disappointed with this one!
Upvote if this was helpful (4) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
DH (verified owner) –
Hardy bloomer & I like the contrast of light petals with the dark center but much more yellow than cream or white here in SE Texas.
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Alyce Schmitt (verified owner) –
It is very pretty with my purple groundcover.
Upvote if this was helpful (2) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Emily –
I planted this day lily several years ago in my “Hell strip,” the area up against the street, and it’s thriving. It’s healthy and huge, and bloom prolifically.
Upvote if this was helpful (3) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Susan –
What is your hardiness zone? Zone 6
I planted Pandora’s Box from you last year. It bloomed last year but this year, I was just amazed at how beautiful this flower is. Hard to do it justice in a photo. The lighter part is more of a cream color and the dark is a red-purple. Truly a beautiful plant!
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Linda Mrozinski –
What is your hardiness zone? Zone 5
I planted this one in early June of 2014-no blooms. A few flowers in summer 2015 with most of them barely rising above the foliage. 2016-WOW!! Profuse blooming and flowers well above the foliage. Gorgeous!
Upvote if this was helpful (3) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
[email protected] (verified owner) –
What is your hardiness zone? Not Sure
This day in time you just don’t get what you pay for. But, as always, when I opened the box I had HUGE fans of each variety. It is like getting triple for your money! Not the shriveled up , nearly dead pack of mostly sawdust that you get at the ‘discount’ store. Those ones never perform. But Oakes plants are very hardy, huge & thrive year after year.
Of course, we all have our favorites based on our personal preferences, but I originally received Pandora’s box as a free-bie & when it opened up I was in love! It is simply charming. I used to be an over-the-top big bright blooms girl. And I still have a bunch in the garden. But I now find myself anxiously awaiting the delicate smaller bloomers.
I have the worst soil; but this one, as well as the others from Oakes, continue to come back bigger & better every year.
Upvote if this was helpful (3) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Priscilla –
I bought this early summer of 2014 and it did nothing. It did bloom last summer but not for very long. It’s an ok daylily but definitely not one of my favorites
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (1) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Kitsap Peninsula, WA –
I ordered several PBs late last year, and have enjoyed their 1st bloom! The PBs are in full sun, and if you look at the different pictures on this page, are decidedly on the cream vs. white side of the color equation (almost like “Siloam Button Box”). The flowers have tended to be > 4″ on very short scapes, some of which don’t even “escape” the foliage. I would not consider these showy, in your face daylilies, but more subtle, front of the border or pathway beauties inviting you to pause and enjoy the presentation of flowers and foliage together. Thank you Oakes!
Upvote if this was helpful (4) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Lisa Crugnola –
I call Pandora’s Box “the poor man’s Wild Horses”. Similar in appearance, a bit smaller and less dramatic, but with an unmatched bud-count you won’t feel like you’re missing anything when this daylily starts its display. It just keeps going and going!
Upvote if this was helpful (4) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
charlie foley –
One of my favourites but always blooms a pale yellow with vivid purple eye. Easy to transplant to other locations if wanted. My old complaint is that it has a tendency to loose it blooms down with in the foliage.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
lewisburg, TN –
I usually go for the bigger blooms, brighter color, but this little stunner is simply adorable! I had to buy more. The white is a ‘creamier’ color for me too. But, I must say, I have the poorest soil & pretty little Pandora doesn’t seem to mind. It stands apart with it’s own air of “you can’t possibly overlook me”. For the price, the number of blooms and the size of the clumps (which almost double in a year) it is a Bargain Basement price for a Top Shelf Cutie
Upvote if this was helpful (3) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Bellaire, OH –
This was the daylily that started my obsession! I started with one and 10years later I have 15 AND I have probably given away three times as many. It is very fragrant. The first time I smelled it I thought it was my oriental lilies. The color is a darker cream with a dark center in my garden. I live in zone 5/6…we do get harsh winter weather but I never have a problem.
Upvote if this was helpful (4) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Dillwyn, VA –
Planted 3 of the Pandora’s Box this spring and they have not bloomed at all! Actively growing, but no scapes and no blooms. Extremely disappointed that it has not bloomed.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (2) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Third Lake, IL –
This little daylily is well worth adding to your garden. The color is soft with the eyezone adding an extra feature.
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
san antonio, PR –
just love everything about it recieved it as a gift in my order and its doing great it seems to tolerate hot tropical conditions if its put on some shade really love it and happy with it.
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Chattanooga, TN –
Great little performer! This little beauty has been in the ground less than 2 weeks and it is already sending up 1 scape! I can hardly wait for it to bloom. Did I mention the generous plants you receive from Oakes? I can hardly wait for next year. Gave this one a “10” because in my estimation it is worth every bit of it. I am hooked for sure. If you are on the fence about this one, I would suggest you take the leap. You will not disappointed.
Upvote if this was helpful (2) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
coram, NY –
Very prolific daylily, tons of flowers, gave it only 8 stars because they are not light cream in my yard they are a creamy yellow with a darker than shown eye. However have already divided them.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Cornville, ME –
I got this one this past year. The clump was so large the a section fell of (about 3 fans) I planted it on each side of a path at one of the garden entrances. The larger clump bloomed twice and the small clump bloomed by the end of the summer. The second flush on the larger clump had thrown up about 5 scapes. The flowers here in the north were more of the cream color with the purple/burgundy eye zone. A beautiful flowere and great performer. Looking forward to this summer.
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Gambier, OH –
1This plant is everything as described.0. Beautiful. Grows great in my garden. Pale creams with deep purple eyes.
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
New Tazewell, TN –
This little one is very pretty. It looks just like the picture. It’s not one of my favorites because I like a more bold color, but lovely nonetheless.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Cleveland, MS –
These little ones bloom their hearts out from May through early July (zone 8b). Provide them with some shade in the afternoon, and they retain their beautiful coloring on into the evening hours. A nice surprise, this growing season, was the appearance of proliferations on their scapes!
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Arlington, TX –
I’ve had this jewel in my garden over 6 years. It never ceases to make me smile. I’ve gotten rebloom and occasionaly a blossom that appears double. It’s a charmer for sure!
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
pleasant hill, MO –
This is such a cheery little plant. Mine just blooms it’s little heart out. Sometimes the blooms are a bit darkier but for the most part they are just like the photos.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Springfield, MA –
Lovely, profuse bloomer. The blossoms are larger than I expected. Love this lily!
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Longmont, CO –
Blooming already and just planted this spring! Cute and perky, a light creamy white with a paler eyezone than in the pictures, but still stunning!
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Crofton, MD –
This is a darling daylily, gracing the front of the border with its charming peppiness. Its prolific blooms aren’t overpowering so it makes great “team player.”
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Hoover, AL –
I planted Panodora’s Box last year right before the drought. I gave it no water, no special attention what so ever. Further, I was greedy and took the large plant I received as a gift and divided it into four plants! It has rewarded me this year with four med-to-large lush plants with prolific blooms! This past week daily I have counted over 16 blooms each day!
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Houston, TX –
Just planted this in April, and it already bloomed (quite profusely) on June 1st. The color exactly matches the photo, but the shape does not. The inner petals curl so much it almost appears as if they have 7 or 8 petals altogether. Very beautiful nevertheless. This plant is in full, scorching Texas sun and looks outstanding all day.
Upvote if this was helpful (2) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Kingwood, TX –
This is the second year for Pandora’s box in my garden,they are blooming well and look just like the picture. The yard men cut them down several times before I put a cage around them. They came back and are blooming here in Texas in late May. I have them planted with Yellow Lollipop and the contrast is nice.
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Grapevine, TX –
Very short bloom season and unimpressive. In all fairness, they may have done better if planted on the west side rather than the east.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (1) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Milwaukee, WI –
This is their 2nd year in my garden, and it’s gorgeous interspersed with Little Grapette. They are my husband’s favorite it the whole garden!
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Melville, NY –
I have Pandora’s Box planted in conjunction with Pardon Me in my serpentine back border. WOW, what a show they put on! My Pandora’s Box has more of a creamy peach color than the picture; and it is just yummy. It is VERY PROLIFIC! The combination of these two is a show-stopper.
Upvote if this was helpful (2) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Monkton, MD –
These are very pretty – the color is slightly more pale yellow than pictured above and the eyezone is a wonderful, cool purple. They are very eye-catching especially since they have to endure a spot that has a lot of morning shade. They are absolutely loaded with blooms and it looks like we will be getting some good rebloom in year #3.
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Ventura, CA –
I love this lily! It had a long bloom period, and I was sorry when it ended. I’m looking forward to some rebloom later on. It is a beautiful gem to brighten up any garden.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Lafayette, IN –
As others have suggested, Pandora’s Box really pops when planted next to purples. In my garden Pandora’s Box and Remus daylilies bloom in tandem.
Upvote if this was helpful (2) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Orem, UT –
My free Pandoras opened today (July 7th) and are beautiful. I have them located next to some Appleblossom Carpet Roses which makes them look a bit yellowy-peachy. I think next year I willmove them over by my purple and mauve plants. They are petite plants with nice size blooms. Thanks for sending them — the free plants are always the most fun!
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Charlotte, MI –
Short, very dramatic contrast of a lime green throat with purple eyezone. One of my favorites.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Renton, WA –
Plant this guy at the feet of Mr. President clematis — the deep purple clematis sets off the purple eyezone of the daylily for a real WOW.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal