Hi, all. This is my first posting. I have fallen in love with DLs and will probably convert most of my garden to this gorgeous flower. I had no idea that this plant came in so many varieties and colors. I've had a few DLs for years but most of them are the old time variety. This past spring I purchased a Night Embers at my local garden shop, thinking that was sure a lot to pay (16.95), but it was a huge plant and bloomed in about one month. It was gorgeous and now I'm smitten. In the last few months, I've bought several over the internet (now I think Night Embers was a bargain). Most appear to be thriving (at least they don't appear to be dying) but I've lost two to what I think is crown rot probably caused by my overwatering since both were the smallest of the fans I've received. Larger fans appear to be doing pretty good.

Now I'm set to buy some more from Lovett's. Has anyone one business with that nursery? They have some good prices right now on what they have left.

Getting to my questions finally:

1) how many fans of a single variety do you usually plant together? So far I've only ordered one fan (DF or SF) of each DL vatiety.

2) Would you recommend planting each fan in containers initially so that watering and sun can be more easily controlled until the plant is established? I'm afraid I watered all the same, small or large, and that may be the reason the little ones died.

3) As soon as I receive the fans, I put them in a bowl of water with the roots covered until I can plant them. Is there a limit to the number of days they should be held like that? Should I add something like root stimulator to the water?

I love this website and the gorgeous pictures of the gardens which some of you have posted. It is truly an inspiration. This coming weekend the local DL society is having a sale and I can't wait to go. I also plan to join up while I'm there if they have a membership desk.

Thanks in advance for your help.