Michele,
One more point...
The first bud on my Madeline opened a little more, but this afternoon it was apparent that the flower was going by. So, it never did open fully.
You were right, though, about it being a case of the bud having opened prematurely. From what I could see of the bloom, it never got its dark maroon edging on the petals.
I cannot recall having bumped the plant, but I do have an idea of what might have happened. Where I live, we have high water pressure, and the only water sprinkler that will hold up to the pressure here is an impact (I think that's what it's called) sprinkler. It has a tripod base, and its head rotates as it sends out a strong jet of water. Chances are that the stream of water was hitting against the flower buds. I'll try to be more careful from now on, and will hand water the plants with a watering can having a sprinkler spout.
The second flower bud on the scape is now also beginning to crack open. Yikes! Here's hoping for better results.
Thank you again for your willingness to help a daylily newcomer.
Kat2014
