Fun reading!
I am glad that you finally got over the big box stores. Heck those that work there, do they really help? Get ye to a garden grower/backyard gardener/plantsperson!!!
and
Welcome to daylilies! The obsessive collector's plant!
And since you are in a hot area and on limited watering, have you heard of supersorb yet?
When I plant daylilies to be in their garden spots, I add (already absorbed) supersorb at the bottom of the large hole. A cupful at least. If a large clump, sometimes 2. It is a polymer that looks like gel, from crystals.
Ask if you would like more info.
BB
