Over the course of time I have noticed that if I purchase daylilies that come from areas that have similar growing conditions such as mine the daylilies perform much better for me and have very little set back. I also tend not to order a plant from a hybridizer if I have had problems with other cultivars of theirs. If it is something that I really want I will ask other daylily friends that are in my region or state to see if they happen to grow it in order to see how well it performs. I also try looking for that plant in areas that have similar or harsher winters than what I have then ask the seller how well it performs for them. I probably have lost more Evergreens over the Dormants and Semi's but do not let that discourage me too much as I have other Evergreens that perform and multiply great...Midnight Magic is one that comes to mind. For me my favorite places to bring in daylilies are Indiana, Ohio and Kansas.
I am also pickier now than what I was in the beginning when ordering flowers as I look at the branching and bud count. Each person has their own personal preference on what they like in a daylily. I really like them all, however, I am always disappointed when a daylily starts blooming and it is done within a few days. Now I look for branching and bud count and look around at what is blooming with these good traits to cross with each other. Here in Southwest lower MI I do not have as many daylilies that rebloom...spring and summer arrive too late...lol, or fall and frosts arrive too soon.
Hope this helps, I believe that mini climates within the lake effect snow area that I live in along with soil conditions play a big part in a plants performance also. I always appreciate it when others share their experiences on daylily cultivars.
