It is always interesting to hear opinions on this. Some opinions will vary with experience.
Not that I know, but my take is very simple. New intro daylilies are expensive because that is what they command. It's really that simple (to me). There is a market and people willing to pay. There are various sub-markets. So, there is never a requirement that anyone pay prices they feel are too high (as in anything).
If folks want it and have the money, they will get it (in anything). As to why iris are less, it is the market. I am confident that if hybridizers thought they could command $200 for an intro, they would charge it. Supply and demand.
Daylilies attract people for different reasons and satisfy people at all kinds of levels. There is always the chance that you could make your own $200 intro...not likely, lol, for most of us...but there it is...you could...
It can be hard to see what is going on because we are all at different places....there is no right or wrong. You could have these same thoughts about dogs...lol...why some breeds are so expensive...and whether they are worth the price (to you)....I have two mixed breed dogs that I adore, so you could never convince me why I should be on a waiting list, sign a contract never to breed, and pay mega bucks for a certain dog...but, to each his own.
I will say that, over time, I find I am willing to pay much more for daylilies than I did originally. I still have my limits....and I wish I could just buy ones I have seen in person (I do that....sometimes)...but I can still want one from a pretty picture...lol...
Take care now...
Katie
