Okay, so the database has tons of photos from gardeners of day lilies and irises. So which of the two is more addictive? And how many gardeners grow both? I can't imagine trying to accommodate both genus; I'm failing to find enough space and I only dabble in one. For those who grow both, congratulations and may you find the time, energy, resources and good fortune to succeed!

I grow both and then some. They get mixed into beds with all kinds of other perennials. I don't care for just one type of plant in a bed.

I only grow daylilies and some asiatic and oriental ones. Irises have too many pests here from what I have read.

I have both. If I had to choose one it would be the daylilies. I think Iris blooms are more beautiful but they bloom for such a short time.

I grow 125 Daylilies and 117 iris...

However Peonies are in first at 155

Conifers a close second at 148 (most of the conifers are dwarf)

Calif_Sue said:I grow both and then some. They get mixed into beds with all kinds of other perennials. I don't care for just one type of plant in a bed.

Same sentiment here. I have seen large plantings of daylilies only and to me it looks like a sea of mud. Whereas a beautiful daylily really commands attention when it is surrounded by contrasting plants.

I have flirted with both, but I only grow iris for the time being. I'm not opposed to daylilies necessarily but (this may sound weird) there are so many tens of thousands of varieties that it's hard deciding where to start. lol

For the record, I was at first 'bummed' about the iris' short blooming season, but a few things have changed my mind. First, by growing enough variety, something is in bloom from February through June and sometimes rebloomers come back in November. Secondly, by taking lots of photos I can keep enjoying the season especially during the cold, wet winter months. And finally, the protracted wait between bloom seasons just makes the event that much more special: 'absence makes the heart grow fonder'!
One last thought- tulip season is the best, because once the tulips 'kick off' the beginning of spring color I know the iris are close behind!