noun
second blooming; reflowering
Refers to flowers blooming again out of season, especially in autumn or early winter when they normally bloom in spring. Often used poetically.
See also: 返り咲き (かえりざき)
今年は暖かいので、庭に帰り花が咲いている。
Because it's warm this year, there are second-blooming flowers in the garden.
noun
return to work (prostitute, actor, etc.)
Archaic term for a prostitute, kabuki actor, or similar entertainer returning to their profession after a period of absence.
江戸時代の文献には、遊女の帰り花についての記述がある。
In Edo-period documents, there are descriptions of courtesans' return to work.
返り咲き specifically means 'comeback' or 'return to a former position', often used for people regaining status, while 帰り花 is primarily about flowers blooming again.
Compound of 帰り (return) + 花 (flower). The archaic sense is a metaphorical extension of the botanical meaning.