Valerie - only problem is that it's not just one or two, but 30!!!!! But I figure if I see if they're alive, then even if they are, I'm not going to get blooms until August. So I'm going to bite the bullet, throw them all out (I can hear the screams from some of you!!) and start again wiser and happier. Carol

Julie, Old Man Winter made it easy one year when oodles of perennials croaked so that spot will be a stone-walled daylily bed this year mixed with the remaining survivors. One year it was just time for a change of scenery, so gave away bearded iris, rudbeckia, border iris, delphiniums, wild roses, sedums, rugosa roses, cactus, and forgot what else in a free ad and met some really nice gardening people to boot. On the keep list are single hollyhocks, variegated sedum, turtlehead, a couple favorite iris as well as plants from friends and family squeezed in amongst the daylilies. Dormant daylilies are just perfect for our zone 3-4 and clay (and rocks) soil even though some haven't made it. Sometimes looking at old garden pictures makes me feel guilty, but then I think goodbye guilt and lawnmowing and hello more daylily beds and out come the catalogs again!

yes, you can cut off the leaves, but, not all of the way off. cut the leaves down about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way to the rhizome. also, they need to be outside for the winter or they won't bloom for you next year. so, if at all possible get them back in the ground or at least leave them outside for the winter, not in the basement. I did the same thing with my iris, & now I need to get them back in the ground. easier said than done since I have about 5 wheelbarrows full to re~plant. but, I will get it done. good luck with your re~planting chore. I wouldn't put it off till next spring, though. get it done now, if you can.

Neil - it was a busy day. It took me all day because I kept having to go inside to cool off! But then again, I wasn't in a hurry. And if I don't find homes for my plants, we do have a big plant fair in March. I know, it's a long time off, but it is a great venue for trading - much to the chagrin of those who are trying to sell their plants. When I sell my plants, it is usually for a dollar or two, just to cover the cost of growing media. Sharing is more important to me. Kim, everything I read says this plant is frost tender and grows in zones 9-11. If you can keep it in a pot and bring it in for the winter, I think it will do fine. These guys were quite manageable before going into the ground. Can you folks message me? I have tried to set my profile so anyone can message or email me. If that doesn't work - and please give it a try just so I can see if it works - you can email me at crenda at AOL dot com. (Can I type my actual email address?)