Since lots of folks will be buying daylilies at this and other sales, I asked Everett what he sees as the biggest mistakes made with such purchases and planting his favorite plant.  He explained there are three types of daylilies: Evergreen, Semi-Evergreen and Dormant.  The first two are the ones we should plant.

Unfortunately, many national chain stores, and locals without horticulture expertise, sell the Dormant varieties. How can you tell the difference if you don't want to investigate every single one?  Shop from a daylily source you trust.

Dormants, he says, need more cold and less heat than they will get here, although some will survive in the northern Greater Houston areas if they get more shade. But they're not the hardiest choices.

Planting times are also key.  It's difficult for plants to set strong root systems in our intense heat. Everett puts plants purchased now through summer in 2- to 3-gallon pots and keeps them in shady areas until late October. By this time they will have well established roots and can easily be transplanted to a sunny spot where they should be super-hardy from that point on.

Have more questions? You can meet Everett & Chris and see their "Gulf Coast Daylilies" in bloom during their annual Open Garden Days, the 2nd & 3rd Sunday in May. This year: May 8 & May 16, 9am-5pm, at the Crainer's Daylily Farm, 5748 FM Rd 2611 in Brazoria. Details: 979-964-3468; 979-239-7026; crainersdaylilyfarm.com/